The entire Chicago Board of Education announced their resignations after they reportedly resisted the Democratic mayor’s pressure campaign to fire the public schools’ CEO during contract negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union.
Several board members are planning to fire Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez and offer high-interest short-term loans aimed at filling budget gaps, sources told Fox32 Chicago. He was furious at Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office’s efforts to approve the move. Payment of new teachers union contract.
“It would be unfortunate and irresponsible for Mayor Johnson to push forward with such a dangerous measure just to reduce the city’s own budget deficit. There is no progressiveness, transparency, or accountability in such a move,” the 40th said. District Councilman Andre Vazquez wrote after X Friday. Seven board members announced their resignation.
“The fact that this pressure has resulted in the resignation of an entire board of directors appointed by the mayor is unprecedented and deeply concerning,” he added.
Chicago Board of Education approves measure to eliminate school ‘rankings’ after ‘years of structural racism’
Chicago Board of Education members are upset by a campaign from Mayor Brandon Johnson (left) to pressure them to fire Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez (right), sources tell Fox32 Chicago. It is said that he was doing so. (Jeff Shea/Getty Images for the James Beard Foundation/Eileen T. Messler/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
“I’m not asking anyone for anything,” Johnson said earlier this week, according to WBBM News Radio. “All I’m looking for at the moment is leadership that’s willing to invest in our children.” That’s what it means.
Then, in a statement Friday, the mayor’s office said, “Mayor Brandon Johnson and the members of the Chicago Board of Education are enacting a transition plan that includes all current members transitioning from their school board positions later this month.” said.
“With the transition to a hybrid elected and appointed board on the horizon, current board members and Mayor Johnson are committed to providing a strong foundation for the transition to serve the best interests of Chicago Public Schools students and families.” “We understand the need to build a strong foundation,” the statement added.
The powerful Chicago Teachers Union said in its own statement that the resignations are “the latest instability caused by our CEO in our district.”
“We finally have a mayor who can lead the district out of layoffs and furloughs and toward transformation of our school system that serves students and their families and provides a consistent quality education for our community. This CEO is telling the mayor: ‘No,”’ CTU said on its website.
As Chicago high schools struggle with staffing issues and teacher absences, students are left behind: Report


Chicago Teachers Union President Stacey Davis Gates (left) arrives with Mayor Brandon Johnson at the Legler Regional Branch of the Chicago Public Library on February 7, 2024. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
In late September, Martinez wrote a column for the Chicago Tribune saying, “While I am opposed to exorbitant short-term borrowing, this would result in CPS’s negative rating and lead to further downgrades and increased borrowing.” “This is likely a past practice.” interest rate. ”
A new board of 21 elected and appointed hybrid members is expected to take office in January, according to Fox32 Chicago.
Johnson’s office said it would announce seven new appointments Monday to replace the departing members.


Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks at the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Monday, August 19, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“I truly believe they are going to appoint a rubber stamp committee of colleagues and friends of CTU to give CTU everything they want before this committee goes into effect,” Ward 9 City Councilman Anthony Beal, a critic of the mayor who reported on Fox 32 Chicago, spoke to the station.