All seven members of the Chicago School Board have agreed to resign later in October in a Friday announcement amid disagreements with the mayor over the district’s budget.
Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Public School CEO Pedro Martinez have disagreed in recent months over the Mayor’s proposed plan to fill a $1 billion gap in the budget for the school district, The New York Times reported. Martinez was initially backed by the board in the dispute over the budget, with the mayor unsuccessfully asking Martinez to resign in late September.
Johnson’s budget plan includes increasing union members’ salaries along with taking out a loan covering a $175 million pension for non-teaching district faculty, according to the NYT.
“Mayor Brandon Johnson and members of the Chicago Board of Education are enacting a transition plan which includes all current members transitioning from service on the Board later this month,” the mayor’s office said in a press release. “With the shift to a hybrid elected and appointed Board forthcoming, current Board members and Mayor Johnson understand that laying a strong foundation for the shift is necessary to serve the best interests of students and families in Chicago Public Schools.”
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 07: Chicago Mayoral candidate Brandon Johnson holds a press conference outside of city hall where he announced the endorsement of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle (L) on March 07, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. Johnson, a Cook County commissioner, is facing former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas in a runoff race for the Mayor’s office scheduled for April 4. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Chicago’s public schools have faced many issues in recent years, like a drop in enrollment and budget problems. The Chicago Teachers Union has opposed measures to close down or consolidate some schools facing issues. (RELATED: Chicago School District In Shambles As Teachers Union Thwarts Major Change That Could Help Turn Fortunes Around)
“I know that families and staff may have concerns about what this means for the future of our District,” Martinez said in a press release. “Please know that regardless of the makeup of the Board of Education, my team and I remain focused on the work: robust teaching and learning, building on the great momentum we’ve seen in students’ academic gains, and continuing to realize our vision of a District where every student has a rigorous, high-quality, and joyful learning experience.”
Chicago Public Schools deferred the Daily Caller News Foundations to Martinez’s press release. The Chicago Teachers Union did not immediately respond to the DCNF’s request for comment.
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