CPS School Board Not Expected to Act on CEO Pedro Martinez’s Contract on Thursday
No Action Scheduled Despite Tension Over His Job Status
The Board of Education has not scheduled a vote to fire or otherwise push out Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez this week, which may prolong the drama around his job status through the holidays and into the new year.
Meeting Agenda Does Not List Action on Martinez’s Dismissal or Separation Settlement
A meeting agenda posted Tuesday afternoon for the school board’s Thursday evening meeting does not list action toward Martinez’s dismissal or for a separation settlement. The board offered Martinez a buyout last week, but he has so far opted to remain in his role.
Board Could Still Find Resolution This Month
The Board of Education could still find a resolution this month – whether to fire Martinez or reach a settlement – and schedule a special meeting to take a vote. Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Teachers Union have been taking steps to push out Martinez for months.
Rally and Meeting Schedule
Thursday’s meeting was pushed back from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. A CTU rally was subsequently scheduled for 3 p.m. that day.
Newly Elected Board to Decide on Martinez’s Fate
If there is no action before the board’s January meeting, it will be up to the newly seated board to decide whether or not to retain Martinez. A large group of CPS administrators, a group of alderpersons, and others want him to stay.
Speculation and Tension
Speculation had grown that the tension between Johnson, his handpicked school board, and Martinez would come to a head this month before the larger board takes over. It will be harder to build consensus at that point, especially with the addition of a few newly elected school board members who oppose the mayor and his CTU allies who have called for Martinez’s firing.
Contract Negotiations
The CTU has also been joined by the current Board of Education in pushing for a resolution to their contract negotiations this month. The union has called Martinez an obstacle to an agreement, and the board has tried to pressure him to make a deal.
Conclusion
The lack of action on Thursday’s meeting agenda may prolong the uncertainty surrounding Pedro Martinez’s job status, but it is possible that a resolution could still be reached this month. The newly elected school board will ultimately decide whether or not to retain Martinez, and the outcome will have significant implications for the future of Chicago Public Schools.
FAQs
* When is the next scheduled meeting to discuss Pedro Martinez’s contract?
The next regularly scheduled meeting is not until late January, when a new 21-member partially elected board takes office.
* What is the current status of contract negotiations between the CTU and the Board of Education?
The union and board are pushing for a resolution, but Martinez has been seen as an obstacle to an agreement.
* Who wants Pedro Martinez to stay in his role?
A large group of CPS administrators, a group of alderpersons, and others have expressed support for keeping Martinez as CEO.
