Mayor Brandon Johnson Wants CPS Director Pedro Martinez Out of Office

Tension Has Been Growing Between the Two

After months of tension, Mayor Brandon Johnson has told Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez that he wants the embattled schools chief out of his job, according to four sources who spoke to the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ.

Martinez Refuses to Resign

Martinez did not immediately resign and instead plans to wait to hear back from the Board of Education, said two sources.

Martinez’s Future Hangs in the Balance

The seven-member board, which was appointed by Johnson, has sole authority to fire the CPS CEO, but has sided with Martinez this year in a pair of key disputes. A senior mayoral official said that Martinez has now “lost the board.”

Reasons for Dismissal

The mayor’s office and Martinez have clashed over financial issues. Johnson wants the school district to take out a short-term loan to pay costs related to a new Chicago Teachers Union contract, which is still being negotiated, and to pay a portion of the city’s contribution to the city pension fund.

Budget Disputes and School Closures

Martinez has refused to apply for a loan, saying it was fiscally irresponsible, and the board, at least initially, had sided with the CEO. Martinez did not include the pension payment in the CPS budget, a shocking rebuke to the mayor. The mayor’s office is also dismayed by the fact that Martinez’s administration conducted an analysis earlier this year of schools that could be closed.

Ripple Effects of a Change in Leadership

A shakeup at the top of the nation’s fourth-largest public school district would not come as a surprise — the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ reported last month that the Johnson administration was laying the groundwork to oust Martinez — but it was sure to have ripple effects.

What’s Next

The firing of a CPS CEO amid CTU negotiations would be unprecedented since Chicago’s mayor’s office was given control of the school system in 1995. If Martinez were to remain on the job for another six months, it would likely trigger tensions with the CTU, which could go on strike over contract negotiations in January, or sooner if the union finds reason to accuse CPS of an unfair labor practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the mayor want to fire CPS Director Pedro Martinez?

Because of his refusal to take out a short-term loan to pay costs related to a new Chicago Teachers Union contract, and his refusal to apply for a pension payment. Additionally, Martinez’s administration conducted an analysis of schools that could be closed.

What would be the consequences of firing CPS Director Pedro Martinez?

If Martinez is fired, the district may have to replace him immediately, which could lead to a power struggle and increased tensions with the Chicago Teachers Union. The district would also have to consider what would happen to the employees who report to Martinez if he is replaced.

What do the people of Chicago think about this situation?

The public opinion on the matter is mixed. While some people agree with the mayor’s decision, others believe that Martinez should remain in his position. Councilman Gilbert Villegas (36th) stated that the mayor is acting too closely with the CTU’s wishes, and Councilman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th) believes that Martinez’s refusal to allow the mayor to pay the pension and loan is “irresponsible” and justifies his firing.

Conclusion

The ongoing dispute between Mayor Brandon Johnson and CPS Director Pedro Martinez has raised questions about the future of education in Chicago. The consequences of the mayor’s decision to ask for Martinez’s resignation remain uncertain, and the implications for the Chicago Teachers Union and the district’s budget are still unknown. Whatever the outcome, the matter is sure to have far-reaching effects on the Chicago Public Schools and the people it serves.

Translated by Gisela Orozco for La Voz Chicago