Education Inequity Top of Mind for New CPS Board Boss, Mum on CEO’s Future
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s New School Board President Speaks Out
CHICAGO (WGN) — Brandon Johnson’s new school board president believes the vision of the city’s highest-ranking official supersedes any scrutiny but offered no definite answer on Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez’s job security on Friday.
A Focus on Inequity
“We are focused on making sure that Black students in particular know that they are loved and seen and valued,” said Mayor Johnson, who met with students at The Collins Academy in North Lawndale.
Stepping into a New Role
Chicago’s mayor celebrated an investment in STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programming alongside his new school board president, Reverend Mitchell Johnson.
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“If the city is on fire, don’t talk to me about anything else other than putting the fire out. The fire we have right now is inequity,” Mitchell Johnson said.
No Clear Answer on CEO’s Future
The new school board president spoke with reporters for the first time Friday amid a tumultuous time for the district. The previous school board resigned en masse over pressure to fire Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez. Despite the board taking no action on his employment at its first meeting on Thursday, Mitchell Johnson was asked whether that would be his top priority.
“That’s a loaded question and I don’t have an answer,” Mitchell Johnson responded. “Job one is to consider the plight of Black students.”
Setting the Record Straight
President Johnson also addressed a report of his disbarment in Ohio and a lien once placed on his home for non-payment of child support.
“I was suggested for this position for my leadership capacity and my ability to get things done, that’s the truth,” he replied. “The good news is I wasn’t hired to be an accountant and I wasn’t hired to be a lawyer.”
Conclusion
Mitchell Johnson’s appointment as the new school board president comes at a time of great change and urgency for the Chicago Public School System. As the leader of the district, he has a crucial role to play in addressing the pressing issue of education inequity. While he may not have given a clear answer on CEO Pedro Martinez’s future, his focus on the plight of Black students is a crucial step in the right direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
* What is the focus of the new school board president, Mitchell Johnson?
Education inequality
* Is the new school board president considering firing CEO Pedro Martinez?
No, he has not indicated a clear answer
* What are the top priorities for the new school board president?
Addressing the plight of Black students, tackling education inequity
* Is the new school board president under scrutiny?
Yes, due to reports of disbarment in Ohio and a lien on his home for non-payment of child support
