CPS CEO Search Narrowed to 2 Candidates

Introduction to the Search Process

The Chicago Board of Education has narrowed its choice for the next leader down to two candidates and current interim CEO/Supt. Macquline King did not make the cut, according to multiple sources close to the search. The board chose the finalists in a closed session on Thursday. Those candidates will be put through a series of interviews on Monday with a community panel and Mayor Brandon Johnson.

The Selection Process

Jessica Biggs — the school board member leading the search process — said the school board will hold a special session next Thursday to hopefully decide who they want to hire. The board is planning to vote on the contract at its December board meeting. The names of the finalists are not public, unlike some superintendent searches in other districts where the finalists are introduced to the larger community. The school board is keeping the process private in order to prevent the candidates’ current employers from getting wind that they are in the running for a new gig. Members signed a non-disclosure agreement.

Reaction to Interim CEO Not Making the Cut

The West Side chapter of the NAACP blasted the decision not to move King forward. “We’re just very extremely disappointed, upset and angry for her not to make the final cut,” said Dwayne Truss, a former school board member who is active with the West Side NAACP. Truss said the organization was told about the decision by its own source. “It is totally disrespectful and we hope there’s no politics.” King, a former principal, was working in Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office when she became interim leader in June. She was coming into a difficult situation. CEO Pedro Martinez had been fired in a controversial and dramatic way and she immediately had to figure out how to close a $734 million budget deficit.

Community Involvement in the Process

To allow for community involvement, the school board has chosen a panel to do an interview and offer input. The panel is composed of students, parents and teachers, as well as a central office administrator and an elementary school and high school principal. They also will have to sign a non-disclosure agreement. “I am feeling really good about our finalists,” Biggs said. Ninety-three people applied for the job.

Mayor’s Involvement and the Future of CPS

There have been some questions about the mayor’s involvement in the process. In the past, the mayor appointed the CEO, along with the appointed board members. That started to change under former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who allowed the board to do the CEO search and respected their choice of Pedro Martinez. With the board now on the way to being fully elected, it has taken over the process. But Johnson will interview the finalists and provide input, said Board President Sean Harden. “We have solicited input from all stakeholders and his input matters,” Harden said. “I think the board would rightfully have great pause in engaging a CEO that the mayor is not supportive of.”

Conclusion

The search for the next CPS CEO is nearing its end, with two finalists selected and a decision expected soon. The process has been marked by controversy, particularly with the exclusion of interim CEO Macquline King from the final round. As the board moves forward, it will be important to consider the needs and concerns of all stakeholders, including the community, teachers, and students.

FAQs

• Q: Who are the two finalists for the CPS CEO position?
  A: The names of the finalists have not been made public to prevent their current employers from learning about their candidacy.
• Q: Why was interim CEO Macquline King not selected as a finalist?
  A: The reasons for King not being selected as a finalist have not been publicly disclosed, but the decision has been met with criticism from some community groups.
• Q: How will the final decision be made?
  A: The school board will hold a special session to decide on the next CEO, with input from a community panel and Mayor Brandon Johnson.
• Q: What is the timeline for the final decision?
  A: The board is planning to vote on the contract at its December board meeting.