Special school board meeting could seal fate of CPS chief Pedro Martinez
CHICAGO - Mayor Brandon Johnson’s handpicked school board intends to take action on Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez at a special meeting Friday.
On the agenda is a settlement or termination of the schools chief.
The special board meeting coincides with students being dismissed for the holiday break. It could be a permanent break for Martinez, now that the school board is talking about separation.
Friday would mark the third attempt to remove Martinez. Johnson previously asked him to resign and the board reportedly offered him a buyout.
Martinez received a warm reception at Burbank Elementary, who received national recognition for its sports programs for students with intellectual disabilities.
"There is a rich tradition and history of not only stability, but inclusiveness and a culture of family in this room," Martinez told the assembly of students and school officials.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias also attended the ceremony and weighed in on Martinez's possible termination.
"I don't understand the attack on him," said Giannoulias. "I've worked with him. He's great. I've spoken to principals – they love him. He represents the best of public service."
The Chicago Teachers Union wants Martinez out because their president, Stacy Davis Gates, said he is an obstacle to their contract talks.
Meanwhile, Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th) called for an investigation into the parties negotiating the CTU contract.
He said CTU is supposed to negotiate only with the CPS CEO, not the board itself.
"One board member was negotiating on behalf of the CTU and is now sitting on the other side of the negotiating table against CTU. So I tell you, how neutral is that board member going to be? This whole thing smells of corruption," Villegas said.
Villegas said the school board could be vulnerable to a lawsuit. He believes if Pedro Martinez is fired, he will sue the mayor, individual members of the board and possibly the City of Chicago.
"The mayor promised CTU the North Pole and the taxpayers are going to get coal in their stocking," Villegas said.
Chicago elected school board members in November. They take office in January. They have urged the board to wait for them, to include them in the process.