Incoming Elected School Board Members Want To Call Off CEO’s Firing
Newly Elected Members Argue That City Residents Entrusted Them with Power to Make Decisions
CHICAGO — Some newly elected Chicago school board members are calling on the current board appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson to scrap plans to oust Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez — arguing that city residents entrusted them with that power when they voted in the city’s first school board elections last month.
Disruption and Uncertainty
They said the move would be a drastic, disruptive step mid-school year — and just weeks before a new board made up of 10 elected members and 11 Johnson appointees steps in on January 15. And they are talking about possible action they can take to ward off that move.
Support for Martinez
These board members joined a chorus of Martinez supporters who voiced dismay at the board’s apparent intention to force him out at a hastily called 5:45 p.m. special meeting on the eve of winter break. Those included former Education Secretary Arne Duncan, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, and Martinez’ predecessor, Janice Jackson, who called the current board’s move “dirty Chicago politics at its worst.”
Newly Elected Members’ Concerns
Most of the elected members of the incoming board are spending the bulk of this week in new board member training put together by outside groups after the district’s board office cancelled planned sessions. Members were in the training when they got word that the current board had amended its Friday agenda to include two new agenda items: terminate Martinez or consider giving him a buyout.
“The mood in the room shifted,” said elected member Jessica Biggs. “It was deeply disappointing for everybody. It was deeply concerning.”
Discussion of Legal Action
Biggs said the members are discussing taking some kind of legal or other action to stop the current board from voting on Martinez’ employment, but no decisions have been made.
Background on the Controversy
The push to replace Martinez has played out over months of twists and turns, after his relationship with Johnson soured when Martinez refused to take out a high-interest loan to cover the cost of a new teachers contract. The Chicago Teachers Union, Johnson’s former employer and close ally, has grown increasingly critical of Martinez, whose administration has pushed back on union proposals to significantly expand school staffing, lower class sizes, and more.
Concerns About Stability and Debt
Some critics have said it’s ironic that the mayor and union — vocal backers of an elected school board to make decisions for the district — are supporting the eleventh-hour push by the current, fully appointed board to vote on Martinez’ post.
Incoming Board Members’ Perspective
“We were chosen by voters to be the community’s voice and express the community’s vision for our schools,” said incoming member Carlos Rivas.
Conclusion
The elected members of the incoming board are united in their opposition to the current board’s plans to oust Martinez, citing the mandate given to them by the voters. While the outcome of the special meeting remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the drama surrounding Martinez’ employment has overshadowed the district’s efforts to improve education for its students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the reason behind the push to oust Martinez?
A: The push to oust Martinez stems from a disagreement over the district’s budget and the CEO’s refusal to take out a high-interest loan to cover the cost of a new teachers contract.
Q: What is the stance of the Chicago Teachers Union on Martinez?
A: The Chicago Teachers Union has grown increasingly critical of Martinez, citing his administration’s resistance to union proposals to expand school staffing, lower class sizes, and more.
Q: What is the position of the incoming board members on Martinez’ employment?
A: The incoming board members are united in their opposition to the current board’s plans to oust Martinez, citing the mandate given to them by the voters.
