Nearly Two-Thirds of CPS Principals and Assistant Principals Want to Keep CEO
Over 670 Principals and Assistant Principals Sign Letter in Support of Pedro Martinez
As speculation swirls about whether Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez could be fired as soon as this week, hundreds of principals and assistant principals are expressing support for their embattled boss. School leaders from across the city re-released a letter Monday that was originally shared in August, this time with a couple hundred more signatures, calling on the Board of Education to keep Martinez in his position.
A Strong Majority of Principals and Assistant Principals
More than 670 principals and assistant principals – almost two-thirds of the 1,100 in CPS – praised Martinez and urged the board to “not make any personnel decisions impacting the senior CPS leadership.” “Our opinions and voices should matter with the future of our district,” the group said. “A change of leadership would be a decision rooted in political interests, not the interest of students.”
Mayor Johnson Unfazed
Asked for his thoughts about the letter at an unrelated news conference Monday, Mayor Brandon Johnson said, “I actually don’t think much of it.” Asked to elaborate, he said, “Nope. I don’t think much of it at all.”
Background on the Situation
The renewed support from principals comes as Johnson’s newly appointed school board could move to fire Martinez at one of two December meetings, the first of which is on Wednesday. The six members were appointed in October after the previous board resigned en masse. There was no vote for Martinez’s dismissal on the public agenda posted Monday, which must be released 48 hours in advance of a public meeting.
What’s Next?
If the board doesn’t take action on Martinez this week, its last meeting of the year will be on Dec. 12. That will be the final one before the new 21-member, partially elected board takes over in January. Ten members were elected Nov. 5. Johnson will appoint the other 11 members.
Conclusion
The support from principals and assistant principals underscores the challenges facing the school district, which is struggling with a budget shortfall and contentious contract negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union. As the board weighs its options, it will be important to consider the impact on students and the district’s future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are principals and assistant principals supporting Pedro Martinez?
A: They believe that a change in leadership would be a decision rooted in political interests, not the interest of students.
Q: What is the current situation with the school board and Martinez?
A: The newly appointed school board could move to fire Martinez at one of two December meetings.
Q: What is the reason for the potential firing?
A: The board has expressed displeasure with Martinez’s handling of sensitive topics, including CTU negotiations and the planned closure of seven charter schools.
Q: What is the current state of the budget and contract negotiations?
A: The district is facing a budget shortfall, and contract talks with the CTU remain ongoing.
