CPS CEO Pedro Martinez a Finalist for Clark County, Nevada, Superintendent Job
A Controversial Figure in the Running for Las Vegas’ Top Education Job
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO Pedro Martinez has emerged as a finalist to become the next superintendent of the Clark County School District in Nevada, the fifth-largest public school system in the country. This development comes just two months after his contract was terminated by the Chicago Board of Education, although his contract keeps him in Chicago through the end of June.
A Turbulent Tenure at CPS
Martinez’s eight months of leadership at CPS have been marked by turmoil and infighting with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the mayor’s allies at the Chicago Teachers Union. The two parties are currently engaged in heated negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.
A New Opportunity in Nevada
Despite the challenges he has faced in Chicago, Martinez was one of 46 candidates who applied for the Clark County superintendent position. He is one of six finalists, along with five other education professionals. Martinez’s application highlights his achievements at CPS, including record graduation rates, scholarships, and college credits for students in 2023 and 2024, as well as literacy gains in pandemic recovery.
References and Qualifications
Martinez’s application includes references from former Board of Education President Miguel del Valle and former U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan, who was the CPS CEO when Martinez was the chief financial officer in the 2000s. In his cover letter, Martinez emphasized his ability to build coalitions, strategically leverage resources, and create transformational change for students across all sub-populations.
A Familiar Territory
Martinez has a personal connection to Nevada, having worked as the deputy superintendent of Clark County School District in the past. He also took the top job at Washoe County School District in Nevada but was removed following a dispute with his school board. He later settled a lawsuit against the board for $500,000. Despite this controversy, Martinez’s application does not mention his latest school board fight.
What’s Next?
Clark County officials plan to host candidates for interviews on February 24 and 25, with second-round interviews scheduled for March 10 and 11. Not all six finalists are guaranteed to interview, and a decision is expected to be made at a board meeting on March 13.
FAQs
* What is the Clark County School District?
+ The fifth-largest public school system in the country, serving the Las Vegas area.
* Who is Pedro Martinez?
+ The current CEO of Chicago Public Schools, a finalist for the Clark County superintendent position.
* What are the qualifications of the other five finalists?
+ Not publicly disclosed at this time.
* When will the decision be made?
+ At a board meeting on March 13.
