Aldermen Agree to Cancel Special Meeting Re: CPS Board, Unhappy When Mayor Operates in Bad Faith

ORIGINAL: Chicago Mayor gets Aldermen to cancel special meeting but then refuses to confirm that he will make sure new board members are present

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson who aldermen complain has operated in bad faith regarding meeting about state of CPS and new boardPhoto byScreen Capture/Youtube Video [Creator]

CHICAGO — In an unfolding political drama, Chicago aldermen are doubtful that Mayor Brandon Johnson will operate in good faith with regards to a meeting have decided to concerning the recent shakeup at the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) board. There is a great deal of discontent among the aldermen following the entire school board resigning and Johnson unilaterally appointing 6 new board members. Ald. Maria Hadden (Ward 49) revealed on Tuesday that one board seat remains vacant.

Initially, Hadden, alongside Aldermen Gilbert Villegas (Ward 36), Nicole Lee (Ward 11), Marty Quinn (Ward 13), and Andre Vasquez (Ward 40), had called for a special City Council meeting. Their goal was to invite both the former and newly appointed board members to discuss the state of CPS with city officials. However, since the council lacks the authority to compel attendance, they could only hope that some of the new members would voluntarily participate.

According to Ald. Hadden, Mayor Johnson was displeased with the call for a special meeting, but the aldermen felt it was essential for transparency. "You all deserve answers about what's happening," Hadden explained, underscoring her commitment to providing constituents with the information they need.

In a move seemingly aimed at compromise, Hadden said that Mayor Johnson agreed to collaborate with Ald. Jeanette Taylor (Ward 20), chair of the Committee on Education, to arrange a formal committee meeting where the board members would appear. This agreement, supported by Ald. Taylor, led the aldermen to cancel the planned special meeting as the Mayor wished, under the assumption that the mayor would ensure the participation of the CPS board at the committee gathering.

During the council meeting, Ald. Villegas publicly announced the cancellation of the special meeting, expecting the mayor to confirm the presence of the board members at the future committee session. To the surprise of many, Mayor Johnson declined to confirm their attendance, casting doubt on the entire agreement.

In response to this unexpected turn, Hadden and the other aldermen reached out to Ald. Taylor, who, said she intended to proceed with the meeting the Mayor set. The meeting scheduled for October 16 at 12 p.m., and it is hoped that past and present board members will attend. CPS CEO Pedro Martinez has confirmed he will attend to provide information and answer questions on the school districts financial position. Residents are encouraged to either attend the meeting in person or tune in for updates.

The special meeting will address critical issues, including the CPS board's direction. However, it remains to be seen whether the mayor will follow through on his commitment to ensure the participation of the new board members.

With transparency at stake and tensions rising between the mayor's office and the City Council, the upcoming meeting could play a pivotal role in clarifying CPS leadership and restoring confidence in the board’s decision-making.