Dozens of alders release open letter criticizing Mayor Johnson following Board of Ed resignations

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — There is more fallout from the announced resignations of the entire Chicago Board of Education.

Around 40 aldermen released an open letter Saturday criticizing Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, specifically noting the mayor's efforts to get Chicago Public Schools to take out a high-interest $300 million loan.

The open letter said in part, “Chicagoans deserve a voice when it comes to decisions that will affect our school system and city as a whole."

The announced departures of the seven school board members stem from an ongoing campaign by Mayor Johnson to oust CPS CEO Pedro Martinez amid stalled contract talks with the Chicago Teachers Union.

After refusing to engage in short-term borrowing to help pay for the new contract, Martinez said in a Chicago Tribune op-ed that the mayor asked him to resign.

Earlier this week, Johnson denied the claim.

“I didn’t ask anybody to do anything,” Johnson insisted. “The only thing that I’m requiring in this moment is leadership that’s prepared to invest in our children. The strategy is ultimately about what’s best for our children.”

It would only be possible to fire Martinez for cause if the board could prove misconduct, criminal activity, job failure, fraud or wrongdoing.

Johnson will be appointing 10 new board members and a president of the board to work with the 10 new elected members, meaning he will still have control of the board.

Friday’s announcement will enable Johsnon to choose members who will align with his desires.

The news of the resignations was confirmed by a joint statement issued by Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Board of Ed.

In the joint statement, the mayor and the board called this a “transition plan.”

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