CPS Boss Grilled By Frustrated Alderpeople After School Board Members Skip Special Hearing

Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez Faces Tough Questions from Alderpeople

CITY HALL – Alderpeople both praised and grilled Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez on Wednesday as he testified about the district’s budget challenges during a special hearing – but they were unable to question any school board members, who did not show up.

Wednesday’s meeting of the City Council’s education committee took place amid an ongoing political standoff between Mayor Brandon Johnson and Martinez, who wrote in a Tribune editorial last month that Johnson asked him to resign due to numerous disagreements between the mayor’s administration and CPS leadership.

A focal point of that tension has been Martinez’s refusal to take out a $300 million high-interest loan to cover pension payments for non-teaching staff and upcoming contract costs. The back-and-forth came to a head on October 4, when the entire seven-member school board – six of whom were appointed by Johnson last year – resigned en masse. The school board has the final authority to fire the school district’s chief executive.

Frustration and Frustration

The resignations prompted 41 of 50 alderpeople to sign onto a letter calling for a hearing to question incoming and outgoing board members about the resignations and next steps for CPS. That meeting was originally scheduled for last week, but was canceled when it became clear no board members would attend. Alderpeople then invited board members to the education committee hearing on Wednesday – but only Martinez was present.

Education committee chair Ald. Jeanette Taylor (20th) acknowledged at the beginning of the hearing that board members had not shown up, despite hoping they would. “CPS board members, past and present, were invited. They declined to come to the meeting,” Taylor said. “Some in fear of being able to continue to do the work in their different perspectives. The new board said to me that they were just not prepared… and I understand that.”

Alderpeople at the hearing were frustrated by the no-shows, but not necessarily surprised. At last week’s City Council hearing, Johnson stressed that board members or appointees could not be forced to attend any meeting. The city’s corporation counsel, Mary Richardson-Lowry, also told reporters that alderpeople do not have the power to subpoena school board members – something several have disputed.

“They have been invited. I don’t want anybody in this body to believe that they are automatically expected to attend,” Johnson said. “Just for clarification, they have been invited.”

A Question of Transparency

The absence of school board members has raised concerns about transparency in the leadership change and decision-making process. Ald. Matt O’Shea (19th) echoed those concerns, saying, “I think it’s challenging for folks in the public who are watching this that feel the school board won’t show up for them when they can’t show up for this.”

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th) also pressed Martinez on the issue, stating, “I think it’s difficult for folks in the public who are watching this to feel the school board won’t show up for them when they can’t show up for this.”

Funding Concerns

Alderpeople used the hearing to ask Martinez about CPS funding decisions, potential cuts, school closures, and other issues. Ald. Anthony Beale (9th) questioned the school chief’s decision to continue operating Douglass High School in Austin, which only has a few dozen students enrolled. Last year, the school spent just over $68,000 per student, compared to the district average of $18,287, according to Illinois State Board of Education statistics.

Martinez defended keeping the school open, saying he supports further investments in schools like Douglass, not less, especially as many students in Austin currently leave their neighborhood to go to school. “We have to make the investments,” he said. “I would ask, let’s change the conversation of what could be possible at Douglass High School to really attract children to go there.”

Next Steps

The district’s enrollment ticked up slightly this school year, with about 2,000 more students enrolled this fall than last year. However, CPS announced on Wednesday that the district will close seven Acero charter schools next year, impacting around 2,000 students. Ald. Byron Sigcho Lopez (25th) pressed Martinez about what the district plans to do for those students, and Martinez pledged that the district would “come up with a plan” and that his team is talking to Acero leaders about next steps.

Conclusion

The showdown between Martinez and the city’s political leadership raises concerns about transparency, accountability, and the impact on Chicago Public Schools. As the city moves forward with the expanded, partially elected school board, it is crucial for community members to remain engaged and vocal about the importance of a transparent and accountable education system.

FAQs

* What is the current situation with the Chicago Public Schools board?
The entire seven-member school board, six of whom were appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson, resigned en masse on October 4.
* What is the reason for the school board’s resignation?
The resignations were reportedly due to disagreements between the mayor’s administration and CPS leadership, particularly regarding budget and financial decisions.
* What is the current budget situation with Chicago Public Schools?
The district is facing a projected $505 million deficit for the 2025 budget, and a $175 million pension payment for non-teaching staff, which the city has shifted to CPS’ responsibility in recent years.
* What is the purpose of the special hearing?
The hearing aimed to question incoming and outgoing school board members about the resignations and next steps for CPS, but only school board members failed to attend.