Chicago’s entire Board of Education announced its resignation on Monday after refusing to give in to the pressure of the city’s Democrat mayor who wanted to fire the CEO of public schools during contract negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union.
According to sources, several board members were agitated after Mayor Brandon Johnson asked them to remove Chicago Public Schools’ CEO Pedro Martinez. The board was also asked to approve an interest-bearing loan to cover a budget gap and pay for new contracts for teachers.
It is irresponsible for Mayor Johnson to insist on such a risky measure just to reduce the deficit of the city. “This move is neither progressive nor transparent, or accountable,” said 40th Ward Alderman Andre Vasquez, on Friday, following the resignations of the seven board members.
The Mayor said that it was “deeply disturbing” to see a board of directors, all appointed by him, resigning under such pressure.
WBBM Newsradio reported that Johnson said earlier this week, “I didn’t ask anyone to do anything”, and that the “only thing I require at this time is leadership that’s willing invest in our children.”
The Mayor’s Office stated on Friday: “Mayor Brandon Johnson and members of the Chicago Board of Education are implementing an effective transition plan, which includes all members of the Board who will be departing the Board by the end of the month.”
Part of the statement said, “To serve the needs of Chicago Public Schools and its families, both the Board of Directors as well as Mayor Johnson, recognize the importance of setting the foundations for a shift.”
The powerful Chicago Teachers Union said in a statement that the resignations are “the latest instability brought on by the district’s CEO”.
According to the CTU’s website, this CEO has told him “no”.
Martinez stated in a Chicago Tribune article published in late September that he is “against excessive short-term borrowing”. In the past, this practice resulted in negative bond ratings for CPS. It would likely lead to more bond rating reductions and increased borrowing rates. ”
The new hybrid board will consist of 21 members and be appointed in January.
Johnson’s Office has announced that he is appointing seven new people to replace those leaving.
Anthony Beale (9th Ward Alderman) told the station he believed they would try to appoint a non-elected board consisting of CTU members or friends to give CTU the things they want before this board is put into place.
