Ethics Concerns Raised Amid Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Leave of Absence from CPS
Mayor’s Potential Financial Gain from Salary Increases
As the Chicago Teachers Union pushes hard to finalize a contract with Chicago Public Schools, ethical questions about Mayor Brandon Johnson are being raised in a legal filing by CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. The filing notes that since the mayor, a former teacher, remains on leave from CPS, he will benefit financially from any salary increases being negotiated should he return to a teaching position in the district.
Concerns Raised by CPS’ Chief Talent Officer
A 2023 memo written by CPS’ Chief Talent Officer Ben Felton, attached to the lawsuit filing, raised questions about that arrangement with regard to not only the mayor, but also former Deputy Mayor Jen Johnson (no relation to the mayor). The deputy mayor later told Felton that the matter had been discussed with the city’s ethics adviser, who “did not have concerns.”
Mayor’s Leave of Absence and Potential Conflict of Interest
Felton documented conversations he had with Deputy Mayor Johnson about the CPS leave, which was granted for purposes of working for the Chicago Teachers Union. The mayor has resigned from that position. Felton expressed concern that it could be a potential conflict of interest for the mayor to be an employee of an organization that he was overseeing (through the appointment of the Board of Education).
Recommendations and Reactions
Felton suggested that Johnson resign from CPS and Deputy Mayor Johnson take a personal leave of absence from the district. However, Deputy Mayor Johnson told Felton that Mayor Johnson did not want to leave his position to “signal his support for education and teachers.” The memo also notes that on June 6, 2023, Felton suggested the deputy mayor speak with the city’s ethics adviser about the issue, and ten days later, Deputy Mayor Johnson told Felton that they “did not have concerns about them being on a leave from CTU and that they would ‘keep the status quo for now.'”
CTU’s Response and Ongoing Contract Talks
The CTU offered an update on the contract talks after bargaining had ended for the day. Zeidre Foster, a member of the union bargaining team, told reporters that talks had slowed considerably. The CTU is pushing hard to land a contract deal before a new, partly elected school board is seated on January 15 and before Donald Trump is sworn in as president on January 20.
Conclusion
The ongoing contract talks between the CTU and CPS have raised ethical concerns about Mayor Brandon Johnson’s leave of absence from CPS. The mayor’s potential financial gain from salary increases and the potential conflict of interest have sparked questions about the arrangement. As the contract talks continue, it remains to be seen how these concerns will be addressed.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s leave of absence from CPS?
A: The mayor is on leave from CPS to work for the Chicago Teachers Union.
Q: How will Mayor Johnson benefit financially from salary increases?
A: If the mayor returns to a teaching position in the district, he will benefit financially from any salary increases being negotiated.
Q: What are the concerns raised by CPS’ Chief Talent Officer?
A: Felton expressed concern that the mayor’s arrangement could be a potential conflict of interest and that it could benefit the mayor financially.
Q: What is the current status of the contract talks between the CTU and CPS?
A: The talks have slowed considerably, and the CTU is pushing hard to land a contract deal before a new, partly elected school board is seated on January 15 and before Donald Trump is sworn in as president on January 20.
