Pedro Martinez, CEO of Chicago Public Schools, must go. In June, 2024, COAL reiterated a call for Mayor Johnson to replace Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez, stating, “Black students, teachers and principals, have not fared well under his tenure. It is past time for Mayor Johnson to name a replacement; one who has the skills and capabilities to run CPS effectively. (COAL referenced its May 19, 2023 Commentary on its call for improved leadership that you can read here: Mayor, A Question of CPS Leadership). The following also summarizes why COAL strongly calls for replacing Pedro Martinez: - Because, under his 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 concrete steps to address existing issues of culture or policy or practice or outcomes, meaning it has been ineffectual;
- Because CPS’ fixation with closing down Urban Prep began and continued under his watch, despite Urban Prep’s documented results in successfully educating its students, thus, evidencing his apparent disregard for prioritizing the education of Black boys and young men;
- Because, under his 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 his 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 his 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;
- Because under his leadership, Principals and others cannot speak up or speak out on the issues that adversely impact the education of our children; they are not allowed to speak truth to the community;
- Because, under his leadership, the authority granted to Local School Councils to address issues specific to their respective schools has been undermined;
- Because, under his leadership, there has been no clear plan developed and communicated, to address growing budget deficits, thus putting the education of our children, indeed the whole CPS system, at risk;
- Because, under his leadership, there is no evidence of plans to break down the inequitable CPS structure that results in many students graduating from certain schools without the basic educational skills we expect and that are required to succeed, no matter the student’s post-secondary pursuits;
- Because, this summer (Pedro) drastically cut the Safe Passage program in mainly Black communities while adding more Safe Passage workers in mainly Hispanic communities, hiring migrant workers. Once school started back in the fall, (Pedro) then put a freeze on hiring back the much-needed Safe Passage workers displaced during the summer massive cuts. It was a huge protest from organizations who have Safe Passage contract who witnessed the slashing of nearly 50% of Safe Passage workers during the summer months.
- And because, under his leadership, COAL has received direct and 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;
- Specifically, high-performing Black principals have been relieved of their leadership roles without clear justification and despite them having strong support of LSCs, parents, students and the community.
For the above and more, Pedro Martinez receives a failing grade and should be relieved of his position heading the Chicago Public Schools system immediately. 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 address 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 our community, and if he finds it wanting, changes must be made. To be clear, COAL does not agree with Mayor Johnson on a number of Chicago public schools related issues. For example, COAL publicly called out the Mayor for not ending CPS’ ongoing efforts to shut down Urban Prep, COAL does not support CPS taking out a high-interest loan to cover pension and contract costs (this must be addressed structurally), and COAL strongly believes that all types of schools are required in providing a quality education for our children (community, selective enrollment, charters, and other types). Choice for our parents and students is important. That being said, our disagreements do not preclude acknowledging where we do agree. And COAL agrees with the Mayor, perhaps from different vantage points, that Pedro Martinez must go. Download Commentary |
