The entire Chicago Board of Education has announced its resignation after reportedly protesting a pressure campaign by the city’s Democrat mayor to fire the public schools CEO during contract negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union.
Sources told FOX32 Chicago that several board members became incensed over an effort by Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office to get rid of Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez and approve a high-interest, short-term loan aimed at closing the budget gap. . Payment for new teachers union contract.
“It would be disappointing and irresponsible for Mayor Johnson to insist on such a risky move to reduce the city’s own deficit. There is nothing progressive, transparent or accountable about such a move,” 40th Ward Alderman Andre Vasquez wrote on Friday after seven board members announced they were stepping down.
“The fact that this pressure would cause the entire board – all of whom were appointed by the mayor – to resign is unprecedented and extremely concerning,” he said.
Earlier this week, Johnson said, “I didn’t ask anyone to do anything,” and according to WBBM Newsradio, “The only thing I need right now is leadership to invest in our kids. Is ready.”
Then in a statement Friday, the mayor’s office said, “Mayor Brandon Johnson and members of the Chicago Board of Education are creating a transition plan that includes all current members transitioning from service on the board at the end of this month.
The statement read, “With the transition to a hybrid elected and appointed board, the current board members and Mayor Johnson understand that it is essential to lay a strong foundation for change to serve the best interests of students and families in Chicago Public Schools.” Is.”
The powerful Chicago Teachers Union said in its own statement that the resignations are “the latest instability created by the CEO in our district.”
“We finally have a mayor who is leading the district away from cuts and furloughs and leading us toward a transformed school system that provides our students and their families, and a stable quality education in our communities. Provides. To date, this CEO has told them ‘no,'” CTU said on its website.
Martínez wrote a column in the Chicago Tribune in late September in which he said, “I am against excessive, short-term borrowing, a longstanding practice that has generated negative bond ratings for CPS and led to additional bond rating cuts. There will be scope for more borrowing.” “Interest Rates.”
According to Fox32 Chicago, the new 21-member hybrid elected and appointed board will come into office in January.
Johnson’s office says he will announce seven new appointments on Monday to replace the outgoing members.
“I really believe they are going to try to appoint a rubber-stamp board of their CTU allies and friends to give CTU everything they want before this board goes into effect,” 9th Ward Alderman Anthony Beale, narrated by Fox 32 Chicago. As a critic of the mayor told the station.
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