Outcome Deferred on Chicago Mayor's War With Chicago Public Schools Leadership

Mayor Johnson, CPS CEO Martinez navigate budget disputes and School Board decisions amid negotiations

Photo byFeliphe SchiarollionUnsplash

CHICAGO - The anticipated clash between Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO Pedro Martinez did not take place during the Chicago Board of Education meeting on Thursday. Contrary to speculation, the board neither discussed Martinez’s employment contract nor addressed the mayor’s proposal to take out a loan to manage budget deficits.

These issues have been at the center of ongoing discussions at City Hall. Despite their absence from the board meeting’s agenda, they remain crucial points of contention, especially as the Chicago Teachers Union and CPS engage in labor contract negotiations.

During the meeting, the board approved a unanimous moratorium on school closures, aimed at countering rumors that closings were imminent. The ban, effective until 2027, is seen as a measure to calm concerns circulating within the public.

However, the moratorium is largely symbolic. The Chicago Sun-Times' Nader Issa and Sarah Karp noted, “The ban on closing schools is essentially symbolic since it’s not legally binding and can be reversed at any time.” By the time the ban expires, a newly elected school board will likely revisit the issue, particularly if low enrollment remains a concern.

Aldermen also weighed in on the budget debate. Alderman Byron Sigcho Lopez (25th) criticized Martinez for not endorsing the mayor's loan proposal to cover CPS’s budget gaps, referencing Martinez’s previous use of loans during his tenure as CPS Chief Financial Officer. Aldermen Gilbert Villegas (36th) and Nick Sposato (38th), however, voiced their support for Martinez.