Mayor, A Question of CPS Leadership
If you are so inclined, please share your views on the subject with COAL.
Respectfully,
COAL Board of Directors
Let Us be intentional in all aspects of the Work that must be done.
COAL calls upon Mayor Brandon Johnson to seriously assess current Chicago Public Schools (CPS) leadership and if it best serves the Black community.
Why?
Because of the way Urban Prep has been unfairly disciplined; and CPS’ apparent disregard for prioritizing the education of Black boys.
Because, under current leadership, the Chicago Public Schools system has not improved; we understand the issues that existed when current leadership took over, however, over the past few years, CPS has not taken any steps to address existing issues of culture or policy or practice, meaning it has been ineffectual.
Because, under current leadership, many of our children have been lost in the system after coming through the Covid pandemic, and there has been no clear plan towards finding them.
Because, under current leadership, our children have lost educational ground coming through the Covid pandemic, and again, there is no clear plan to address how to regain lost ground and, importantly, to improve upon the education of our children.
Because, under current leadership, CPS has intentionally refused to recognize the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association (CPAA); refused to work with CPAA collaboratively on issues important to the education of our children.
And because, under current leadership, there has been reporting, and COAL has received creditable intelligence, that within the CPS system there are real inequities in the treatment of black men, teachers and principals; inequities in hiring, placement, moves, and more; COAL has received clear examples of this.
If Mayor Johnson is to realize his vision for transforming education in Chicago, including the creation of more Sustainable Community Schools, then CPS requires transformative leadership, with vision and the skills to strategically plan and drive change, as well as the financial acumen to make progress on the serious financial issues CPS faces, and importantly, leadership that is committed to the equitable and respectful treatment of Black men, teachers and principals; and one that cares about our Black children.
Chicago does not elect a CPS lead until November of 2026; consequently, it is up to Mayor Brandon Johnson to seriously assess if current CPS leadership best serves the Black community, and if he finds it wanting, changes must be made as expeditiously as is prudently possible.