New CPS Board President Says He Took the Volunteer Job Because ‘I Love This City’
Why Would a Chicago Guy Want to Go from a Quiet Life into the ‘Lion’s Den’?
Sean Harden says he knows this question is on many people’s minds. The 51-year-old single man with no children says he pursued becoming president of the Chicago Board of Education because he saw an area where he could step up.
“I’ve always said to [Chicago] mayors, if there’s a way that I could be helpful, let me know,” the real estate developer and nonprofit board chairman told WBEZ. “I really mean it because I love this city.”
A Tumultuous Time to be School Board President
It is hard to imagine a more tumultuous time to be school board president. A strike threat from the Chicago Teachers Union is getting more real, the school district is facing colossal budget deficits, and the CEO is on his way out after the board voted to terminate him, effective in June.
At the same time, he is leading a newly constituted, expanded board of 21 members, including 10 elected members for the first time, and some who do not see eye-to-eye.
A Chicago Native’s Journey
Harden grew up in Washington Heights on the Southeast side, attending Marcus Garvey Elementary School and Whitney Young Magnet High School. He went off to Morehouse College in Atlanta, where he majored in international business. However, his sophomore year, his mother got sick, and he had to leave college.
After his mother’s health improved, Harden returned to Chicago and worked at a job training program for youth who were disconnected from school and the workforce. G. Sequane Lawrence, who oversaw the program, was impressed by Harden’s dedication and work ethic.
A Career in Public Service
Harden worked in city government from 2002 to 2009, primarily in workforce development. He then became the deputy CEO for community affairs for Chicago Public Schools. He also served as chairman of the board for a health care organization and a nonprofit focused on helping the unhoused.
No Time to Waste
Harden is being put to the test almost immediately. Martinez’s firing, which Harden oversaw, has left the district in limbo. Harden says Martinez’s team needs to do more than say no to the CTU’s contract demands. He believes the board might need to do its own research to come up with some solutions.
“The board has an expectation, as all boards do, that the senior leadership will come to you with viable options. That remains our expectation,” Harden said.
Living Up to the Challenge
As a mayoral appointee during a fraught time, Harden knows he has to tread carefully. Harden faced an avalanche of criticism after it surfaced that he had requested a CPS driver and a car that would cost the school district $150,000. He defends the request, saying being board president is a volunteer job that requires being accessible and present at schools.
“My belief is, with strong leadership, people will gravitate towards the direction that gets us to where we need to go, and we’ll spend less time on infighting,” he says.
Conclusion
Sean Harden, the new president of the Chicago Board of Education, is a Chicago native who has dedicated his life to public service. With a background in real estate development, nonprofit work, and city government, Harden is well-equipped to lead the board through a tumultuous time. His commitment to the city and its people is evident in his decision to take on this volunteer role.
FAQs
* What motivated Sean Harden to become the president of the Chicago Board of Education?
Harden says he was inspired by his love for the city and saw an opportunity to make a positive impact.
* What is his background?
Harden has a background in real estate development, nonprofit work, and city government.
* What are his goals for the board?
Harden aims to lead the board through a tumultuous time, focusing on finding solutions to the district’s budget deficits and contract disputes.
* How does he plan to navigate the challenges ahead?
Harden is committed to working with the board, the district’s leadership, and the community to find a path forward.
