New President of CPS Education Board Accepted the Voluntary Work Because ‘Loves This City’

A Passion for Education and Service

Sean Harden, the new president of the Chicago Education Board, has been appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson. Harden, 51, has no children and has dedicated his life to education and community service. He is a real estate promoter and the president of a non-profit organization.

“I’ve always told mayors [de Chicago] That, if there is any way in which they can be useful, they let me know,” Harden told Wbez. “I seriously say it because I love this city.”

A Life of Service

Harden grew up in Washington Heights on the southeast side, attending Marcus Garvey Elementary School and the Whitney Young Magnet high school. He went to Morehouse College in Atlanta, studying Japanese for two years and specializing in international business. However, after his mother fell ill, he had to leave the university.

After returning to Chicago, Harden worked in a job training program for young people who were disconnected from school and the workforce. He was supervised by G. Sequane Lawrence, who has worked in economic development for decades. Lawrence praised Harden, saying, “He made sure these young people were ready to work. He made sure they had something to wear. He really worried.”

From the Public Sector to Real Estate

Harden followed Lawrence in the municipal government, working from 2002 to 2009, mainly in the development of the workforce. He then worked as Deputy Executive Director of Community Affairs for Public Schools in Chicago (CPS) for two years.

After leaving CPS, Harden dedicated himself to real estate consulting, economic development, and strategic planning for small and medium-sized companies and non-profit organizations.

New Challenges Ahead

As president of the Board, Harden faces significant challenges. The Chicago Teacher Union (CTU) is threatening a strike, the school district faces a huge budget deficit, and the executive director is leaving after the Board voted to dismiss him without cause.

However, Harden is not intimidated. “I really don’t see any reason to panic,” he said. “We have a strong team, and we will work together to resolve these issues.”

A Leader with No Political Experience

Harden does not have a strong political background. According to a questionnaire presented to the Municipality, none of the companies he has led over the years have had contracts with the Municipality. He stressed that he has no presence in social networks, although the mayor’s selection process revealed a LinkedIn profile.

It is not a great political contributor. His greatest donations were for former mayor Lori Lightfoot, who gave a total of $3,000.

Confronting Challenges

Almost immediately, Harden is being tested. The dismissal of the executive director, which Harden supervised in his first month as designated president of the Board, occurred after a struggle of power rooted in the insistence of the executive director that the school district cannot face the contractual demands of the CTU.

Harden says that the Board needs to do more to resolve the contract and pay. “The public must feel comfortable that we have made our due diligence and that we are not simply accepting a part,” he said.

Conclusion

Sean Harden, the new president of the Chicago Education Board, has been appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson. Harden has dedicated his life to education and community service, and he is determined to lead the Board through a difficult time.

As president of the Board, Harden faces significant challenges, including a threatened teachers’ strike and a huge budget deficit. However, he is not intimidated and is committed to working with his team to resolve these issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Sean Harden’s background?
A: Harden is a real estate promoter and the president of a non-profit organization.

Q: Why did Harden leave Morehouse College?
A: Harden left Morehouse College after his mother fell ill.

Q: What was Harden’s experience in the municipal government?
A: Harden worked in the municipal government from 2002 to 2009, mainly in the development of the workforce.

Q: Does Harden have political experience?
A: Harden does not have a strong political background.