The entire Chicago Board of Education announced their resignations after they reportedly resisted the Democratic mayor's pressure campaign to fire the public schools' CEO during contract negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union.
Several board members are planning to fire Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez and offer high-interest short-term loans aimed at filling budget gaps, sources told Fox32 Chicago. He was furious at Mayor Brandon Johnson's office's efforts to approve the move. Payment of new teachers union contract.
“It would be unfortunate and irresponsible for Mayor Johnson to push forward with such a dangerous measure just to reduce the city's own deficit. There is nothing progressive, transparent, or accountable about this move.” 40th Ward Alderman Andre Vazquez wrote in X Friday after seven board members announced they were resigning.
“The fact that this pressure has resulted in the resignation of an entire board of directors appointed by the mayor is unprecedented and deeply concerning,” he added.
“I'm not asking anyone for anything,” Johnson said earlier this week, according to WBBM News Radio. “All I'm looking for at the moment is leadership that's willing to invest in our children.” That's what it means.
Then, in a statement Friday, the mayor's office said, “Mayor Brandon Johnson and the members of the Chicago Board of Education are enacting a transition plan that includes all current members transitioning from their school board positions later this month.” said.
“As we approach the transition to a hybrid elected and appointed board, current board members and Mayor Johnson are committed to providing a solid foundation for the transition in order to serve the best interests of Chicago Public Schools students and families.” “We understand the need to build on this,” the statement added.
The powerful Chicago Teachers Union said in its own statement that the resignations are “the latest instability caused by our CEO in our district.”
“We finally have a mayor who can lead the district out of layoffs and furloughs and transform our school system to provide needed services to students and their families and provide a stable, high-quality education to our communities.” To date, the CEO has said 'no' to him,” CTU said on its website.
In late September, Martinez wrote a column for the Chicago Tribune saying, “I oppose exorbitant short-term borrowing, which could result in a negative rating for CPS and lead to further downgrades and increased borrowing.'' “This is a past practice with a high degree of sexual content.” interest rate. ”
A new board of 21 elected and appointed hybrid members is expected to take office in January, according to Fox32 Chicago.
Johnson's office said it would announce seven new appointments Monday to replace the departing members.
“I truly believe that they are going to appoint a rubber stamp committee of colleagues and friends of the CTU to give the CTU everything they want before this committee takes effect.” Councilman Anthony Beal spoke to the station as a critic of the mayor's reporting on Fox 32 Chicago.
