Mayor Brandon Johnson has called on Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO Pedro Martinez to resign.
School closures and budget deficit
The decision comes after weeks of speculation about conflicting interests between the former Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) organizer and the CPS leader.
According to the Chicago-Sun Times, recent reports alleged that Martinez was considering closing dozens of schools as mitigation for the projected $500 million CPS budget shortfall next academic year. Johnson has been a staunch advocate against school closures.
According to multiple reports, Martinez issued a statement to CPS families and constituents on Friday, denying any plans to close schools.
Martinez says no to loans
An appointee of former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Martinez has also been in heated negotiations with Johnson and the CTU to finance a new teacher’s contract. Martinez has reportedly refused Mayor Johnson’s proposal to take out a high-interest loan to finance the contract.
The CTU reportedly voted to back Johnson’s decision, issuing a unanimous vote of no confidence for Martinez last week, according to reports. Martinez has received letters of support from 15 Aldermen and hundreds of CPS principles.
CPS board to vote Thursday
As of Monday, Martinez has not voluntarily resigned. The mayor-appointed CPS board will vote on Martinez’s ousting on Thursday. If approved, Martinez will be forced to step down from his role.