Mayor Brandon Johnson Asks CPS CEO Pedro Martinez To Resign. Martinez Says No, Sources Say
Chicago Mayor’s Request Comes Amid Tense Contract Negotiations with Chicago Teachers Union
CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson asked Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez to resign on Wednesday, but Martinez declined, according to published reports and at least one source familiar with internal discussions.
Background
The mayor’s request, which was first reported by FOX32, as well as the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ, comes weeks after reports first surfaced that Johnson was laying the groundwork to replace Martinez. The schools chief was first appointed in September 2021 by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
Reaction
Martinez is “taking it hard because he loves this job,” a source familiar with internal discussions told Chalkbeat.
It is now up to the Chicago Board of Education to decide if Martinez should stay or go. Sources previously told Chalkbeat that school board members were unwilling to fire Martinez. But on Friday, the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ quoted a source close to the mayor who said Martinez has “lost the board.”
Next Steps
Board members, including President Jianan Shi, Vice President Elizabeth Todd-Breland, and other board members, did not immediately respond to calls requesting comment. The board is scheduled to meet next Thursday.
Stakeholders Weigh In
About 460 district principals and assistant principals representing almost 70% of the district’s campuses recently wrote to the school board urging members to keep Martinez at the helm. They argued that Martinez has ushered in a more responsive, collaborative leadership after years of CEO churn — and that his dismissal would cause enormous disruption at a key juncture for the district and hurt students.
The advocacy group Kids First Chicago’s parent advisory board also voiced dismay at the prospect of Martinez’s ouster.
Financial Pressures
The district, which recently closed a half-billion-dollar budget deficit, is facing a challenging financial outlook and did not budget funds to cover a new teachers contract or pension costs for non-teaching staff. So far, despite some joint lobbying from the Martinez administration and the union, state lawmakers and the governor have not shown interest in a major funding increase for CPS.
Conclusion
The request for Martinez’s resignation comes amid tense contract negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union and looming deficits to the city budget. The outcome of this situation will have significant implications for the district and its students. As the Chicago Board of Education considers the mayor’s request, stakeholders will be watching closely to see what the future holds for Martinez and the district.
FAQs
Q: Why did Mayor Brandon Johnson ask for Pedro Martinez’s resignation?
A: The mayor’s office has not publicly stated the reason for the request, but sources suggest it may be related to the district’s financial pressures and the ongoing contract negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union.
Q: Has Pedro Martinez resigned?
A: No, Martinez has declined the mayor’s request and remains in his position as CEO of Chicago Public Schools.
Q: What is the next step for the Chicago Board of Education?
A: The board is scheduled to meet next Thursday to discuss the mayor’s request and determine the future of Martinez’s tenure as CEO.
Q: What do stakeholders think about the situation?
A: Many stakeholders, including school leaders and parents, are expressing concern about the potential disruption that could result from Martinez’s departure. Others are calling for transparency and a clear plan for the district’s future leadership.
