Board of Education to Vote on No School Closures Resolution
The Chicago Board of Education is slated to vote on a resolution that commits to no school closures until 2027, in response to a Chicago Teachers Union assertion that CEO Pedro Martinez is planning closures, which he has staunchly denied.
The vote comes days after Mayor Brandon Johnson’s appointed school board considered a request from Johnson asking Martinez to resign. Martinez has refused, describing the talk of closures as a tactic aimed at undermining him.
Martinez’s Reassurance Fail to Sway Union Leaders
School closures are a political third rail in Chicago, where in 2013, former Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s decision to close 50 schools is still painful for many Chicago residents.
Last week, the union said it had obtained a school facilities analysis that included a list of 70 schools that could be consolidated with 70 others. Citing this document, the union’s House of Delegates passed a vote of no confidence in Martinez.
Martinez has said he would not close schools during his tenure as head of CPS. However, despite Martinez’s assurances over the past week and the planned resolution, union leaders continued to press the issue of possible closures.
Budget Issue Creates Rift Between Mayor and Martinez
Tensions between the mayor and CPS became clear after Johnson told reporters that he was unhappy with the CPS budget, which had a slew of cuts to close its deficit. Johnson’s desire to oust Martinez came after Martinez and the board declined to cover a chunk of pension payments for non-teaching staff, a move that helped widen a city budget deficit.
Conclusion
The outcome of the vote on the resolution remains uncertain, as it is a recommendation that the board will be asked to approve. If passed, the resolution would place a moratorium on school closures until the end of the 2026-27 school year. Despite the assurances from Martinez, the CTU remains vigilant and has expressed concerns over the issue of possible staffing cuts.
FAQs
What is the proposed resolution on no school closures?
The proposal is a resolution that the board of education will be asked to vote on, which would place a moratorium on school closures until the end of the 2026-27 school year.
Is the resolution binding?
The resolution is binding, but can be reversed by future Boards.
Why did the Chicago Teachers Union object to Martinez’s leadership?
The union objected to Martinez’s leadership due to concerns over potential school closures, as well as his decision to refuse to cover a chunk of pension payments for non-teaching staff.
What was the response of the City Hall spokesperson?
The response was that Mayor Johnson had fought against school closures in the past and continues to prioritize investments in public education, rather than layoffs or harmful school actions.
