Introduction to Pedro Martinez’s New Role
Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez is one step closer to becoming the top education official in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted during a public meeting on Tuesday to recommend Martinez to be the next commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
The Voting Process
Nine of 11 members of the Massachusetts board voted for Martinez. The other two abstained, stating earlier in the meeting that they supported candidate Lily Laux, the former deputy commissioner of school programs at the Texas Education Agency. The board will now send its recommendation to the Massachusetts Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler, who must give final approval and is also currently serving as the department’s interim commissioner. However, Tutwiler, who also sits on the board, said he supports Martinez and voted yes for him.
Martinez’s Background and Experience
Martinez, who was fired from CPS without cause in December, was one of three finalists for the Massachusetts job and one of 42 people who had applied. If he takes the job, he will be responsible for overseeing and providing state support for Massachusetts’ roughly 400 school districts. He would also become the first Latino to have the job, according to a press release from Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Martinez has had progressive experience in increasingly larger and more complex organizations, including his role as superintendent of the San Antonio Independent School District and various education roles in Nevada.
Board Members’ Impressions of Martinez
Several board members said they were impressed by Martinez’s leadership experience, including his ability to raise teacher salaries in Chicago, as well as his interest in students from low-income households and those learning English as a new language. Board member Martin West noted that while Martinez lacks state experience, he found through Martinez’s interview that district leadership is “in some ways more similar to the state role in terms of the levers available for driving change.” Board member Ericka Fisher said she felt Martinez was the sort of candidate who “can stay standing and continue fighting the good fight” in the face of the education climate both in Massachusetts and under the Trump administration.
Next Steps for Martinez
In a statement, Martinez said he is “honored” to be selected for the job and that Chicago and CPS will “always hold a special place in my heart.” Once the education secretary finalizes the board’s recommendation, Martinez plans to accept the job after negotiating terms of his contract, according to a source close to the CEO. The Massachusetts board chair previously said she hoped to have a commissioner in place by July 1. Per his CPS contract, a firing without cause allows Martinez to stay at the district through June.
Conclusion
The selection of Pedro Martinez as the next commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education marks a significant milestone in his career. With his experience and leadership skills, he is well-equipped to oversee and provide state support for Massachusetts’ school districts. As he prepares to take on this new role, Martinez has expressed his commitment to finishing the school year strong in Chicago and leaving CPS in mid-June with a deep sense of pride and optimism for its future.
FAQs
- Q: Who is Pedro Martinez?
A: Pedro Martinez is the current CEO of Chicago Public Schools, who has been selected as the next commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. - Q: What is Martinez’s background and experience?
A: Martinez has had progressive experience in increasingly larger and more complex organizations, including his role as superintendent of the San Antonio Independent School District and various education roles in Nevada. - Q: What are the next steps for Martinez?
A: Once the education secretary finalizes the board’s recommendation, Martinez plans to accept the job after negotiating terms of his contract. - Q: When is Martinez expected to start his new role?
A: The Massachusetts board chair previously said she hoped to have a commissioner in place by July 1.Listen to the Block Club Chicago podcast:
