The Board of Education Dismisses the General Director of CPS Pedro Martínez
Special Meeting Announced to Oust Chicago Public Schools CEO
The Board of Education is moving to oust Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martínez at a special meeting Friday night, potentially ending a months-long leadership saga that has sparked a avalanche of political tension in the school system.
Voting Items on Agenda
The board included two voting items on its agenda and could opt for either of them: the firing of Martínez or an agreement for his voluntary retirement. Removing the schools director just before Christmas break, when school is out for winter break, would mark an extraordinary resolution in the battle between Martinez and Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Background on the Dispute
The Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ first reported in August that the mayor’s administration was laying the groundwork to replace Martinez. The two leaders have argued over whether CPS should take over a City Council pension payment for non-teaching school staff — something Martinez has refused to do without help from the mayor’s office — and whether it should apply for a short-term loan to pay for a new union contract for teachers, a move that Martínez has said would be fiscally irresponsible.
Martínez’s Contract
Martinez has already said publicly that he rejected Johnson’s request to resign in September, and did not agree to a separation agreement earlier this month. Martinez’s attorney, Bill Quinlan, declined to comment. The meeting was announced Wednesday morning and set for 11 a.m. Friday. But the agenda, which by law must be posted 48 hours before a public meeting, did not include any vote on Martinez, only a closed-door discussion of personnel matters.
Terms of the Agreement
The new agenda includes a vote to approve an agreement with Martínez and a separate vote to terminate his contract. Any vote could continue or be postponed, depending on the agenda. The terms of the purchase offer for his voluntary retirement have not been made public.
If the school board decides to fire Martinez, it would have to cite misconduct, criminal activity, failure to perform duties, fraud or other wrongdoing. Martinez’s supporters have said he could sue the school district and perhaps even the school board members themselves if he is fired. It was this obstacle, in part, that led all school board members to resign in October.
The Board of Education’s decision to dismiss Pedro Martínez as CEO of Chicago Public Schools marks a significant turning point in the ongoing leadership saga. The consequences of this decision will be far-reaching, and it remains to be seen how the school district will move forward without its current leader.
Q: Why is the Board of Education considering firing Pedro Martínez?
A: The Board of Education is considering firing Martínez due to disagreements over the school district’s budget and leadership.
Q: What are the terms of Martínez’s contract?
A: Martínez’s contract requires six months’ notice of termination without cause. During that time, he would continue working his $360,706-a-year job and transfer his duties to a new CEO.
Q: What are the consequences of firing Martínez?
A: If the school board decides to fire Martínez, it would have to cite misconduct, criminal activity, failure to perform duties, fraud or other wrongdoing. Martinez’s supporters have said he could sue the school district and perhaps even the school board members themselves if he is fired.
Q: What is the timeline for the Board of Education’s decision?
A: The Board of Education is expected to make a decision on Martínez’s fate at a special meeting on Friday night.
