New School Board Member Says Don’t Fire CPS CEO Before Partially Elected Panel Takes Over
Officials Urge Board to Hold Off on Major Decisions
With Chicago’s Board of Education meeting for the final time this week before a partially elected board takes over in January, some officials are warning the current board against making any big decisions before then — including ousting Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez.
Alderperson and Newly Elected Board Member Speak Out
An alderperson, a newly elected board member, and some education advocates held a news conference Monday urging the board not to fire Martinez. They’re among many who have supported the schools chief and opposed efforts by Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Teachers Union to push him out. Almost 700 principals and assistant principals also signed a letter asking the board to hold off on changes.
Letter from Alderpersons
Later, 21 alderpersons signed on to a letter to the school board offering their “full support” for Martinez’s retention. “We ardently believe that CEO Martinez is the logical choice to guide CPS through these troubled times,” they wrote.
Alderperson’s Comments
“I think it’s only right that the temporary board should adhere to the folks that are involved in education to wait until any type of major decisions are done,” said Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th), who signed the letter.
Background on Negotiations
WBEZ and Chicago Sun-Times reported last week that the school board offered Martinez a buyout in the latest effort to get him to leave. Negotiations are ongoing, but Martinez has so far not taken the offer.
What’s at Stake
The tension could come to a head this week, either through a settlement or Martinez’s dismissal. The school board is set to release its agenda on Tuesday for this Thursday’s scheduled meeting. A vote to fire Martinez would have to be explicitly listed on that agenda for action to be taken, legal experts have said.
Why the Mayor and CTU Want Him Out
The mayor and his handpicked board, which was appointed after the entire previous board resigned in October, could be feeling a sense of urgency to act. They’re close allies of the Chicago Teachers Union, whose leaders are insisting they land a contract agreement before mid-January when the new board takes over and President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
Contract Talks
While both CTU and CPS say some progress has been made in contract talks, they remain far apart on some major issues. That includes financial terms and others that are more policy-related.
Conclusion
As the school board meets for the final time before a partially elected board takes over, officials are urging caution and cautioning against making any big decisions, including ousting CEO Pedro Martinez. The fate of the schools chief remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the next few days will be crucial in determining the future of Chicago Public Schools.
FAQs
Q: Why are officials urging the school board to hold off on major decisions?
A: Officials are urging the school board to hold off on major decisions, including ousting CEO Pedro Martinez, until a partially elected board takes over in January.
Q: What is the current state of contract talks between CTU and CPS?
A: Contract talks between CTU and CPS are ongoing, but the two sides remain far apart on some major issues, including financial terms and policy-related issues.
Q: What is the deadline for a contract agreement between CTU and CPS?
A: The deadline for a contract agreement between CTU and CPS is mid-January, when the new board takes over and President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
Q: Will the new board take over in January?
A: Yes, a partially elected board will take over in January, replacing the current board.
