Future of CPS CEO debated at Chicago Board of Education meeting

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Tensions were high at Thursday night's Chicago Board of Education meeting.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez was in the hot seat at the Board of Education's first meeting of the school year following reports that Mayor Brandon Johnson wants him out for rejecting the mayor's idea for paying for a new Chicago Teachers Union contract.

CTU President Stacy Davis Gates questioned the CEO’s leadership.

“There's this bucket of we ain't got it right. We don't have the resources to fund the teacher's contract.

While Alderman Gil Villegas (36th) came to his defense.

“Martinez has been steadfast in his commitment to our schools, brought his tenure and has continued to work even amongst the turmoil.”

Alderman David Moore (17th) also voiced his support.

“I know we have a CEO that's doing the best for our students at this point because I'm seeing that our young black Children are making progress.”

About 400 CPS principals signed on to a letter given to the board in support of Martinez.

Troy LaRaviere, the head of the Chicago Principals and Administrators Associations, the district’s principals union, distanced himself from a letter signed by about 400 principals and assistant principals in support of Martinez.

During the school board’s meeting, he pointed to a recent survey.

“Survey shows that more than 70% of principals do not feel that the CEO’s budget supports the safety needs or developmental needs of their students and staff.”

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