The newly formed Chicago Board of Education, with a hybrid structure of elected and mayoral-appointed members, faces a multitude of pressing issues upon its inauguration. These include contentious contract negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union, a financially precarious situation, and the need to establish effective governance amidst a changing landscape.
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The new hybrid Chicago Board of Education will be officially seated on Wednesday amid heated contract talks between the Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union involving elevated name-calling by the union. The current seven-person Chicago school board, with members all selected by Mayor Brandon Johnson, will switch Wednesday to 20 board members and a president.
Half of the new members were selected by voters this past fall, while the other half were selected by Mayor Brandon Johnson. They inherit a district with ongoing teachers' union contract negotiations, and a district chief executive officer, Pedro Martinez, who was fired at the end of last year by the board recently appointed by Mayor Johnson. Martinez, however, remains on the job for another five and a half months. The new board also inherits a financial situation at a tipping point for CPS. The independent watchdog group the Civic Federation said in a report issued this week that an Illinois state takeover of the district's finances may become a reality if the new board does not jump in and act smart—fast. The Civic Federation said in its report released Monday that this year's CPS budget is structurally imbalanced. The group said a confluence of financial challenges jeopardizes the district's ability to provide the quality education necessary to prepare Chicago students for success. The report calls for rightsizing a district that has ballooned in size, and developing long-term financial plans is critical to avoid a state takeover. Civic President Joe Ferguson said a new school board with members who have never sat together before needs to get cracking right away to avoid state takeover. 'You should embrace that reality,' Ferguson said, 'and if you're not embracing that reality immediately, then probably we are heading down a path in which there's going to be some form of intervention that may be needed.' Ferguson said early signals from the board—even as its members are sworn in on Wednesday night—will be critical in determining if they can avoid the massive landmines in their path. As for those contract negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union, they continue to drag on. This week, CTU President Stacy Davis Gates had to walk back some disparaging and offensive comments she made about schools CEO Martinez. WBEZ reported that Davis Gates last week compared Martinez to a special education student who couldn't be suspended. It outraged several community groups—not the least of which were those who assist children with special needs. On 'Chicago Tonight' on WTTW-Channel 11 last night, Davis Gates apologized for those comments. 'I am extraordinarily embarrassed,' she said. 'It does not reflect my values or my body of work. I am deeply sorry for it.' With a struggle already with $9.3 billion in outstanding debt, a heated back-and-forth with the teachers' union, and a drastic change to how the Board of Education is structured all happening simultaneously, CPS is at a crossroads—as are the 323,000 Chicago kids who rely on it
CHICAGO SCHOOL BOARD CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS CHICAGO TEACHERS UNION FINANCIAL CRISIS EDUCATIONAL POLICY ILLINOIS SCHOOL FINANCE
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mayor Johnson announces pick for Chicago school board president, 5 other new membersMayor Johnson announces pick for Chicago school board president, other new members
Read more »
Chicago School Board to Vote on Firing of CEO Martinez, Elected Members ProtestThe Chicago Board of Education is set to vote on terminating CEO Pedro Martinez, despite protests from newly elected board members who argue that the move undermines their authority.
Read more »
Chicago School Board to Decide Fate of CEO Pedro Martinez Amidst Holiday BreakChicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez faces possible termination or settlement at a special school board meeting Friday. The move comes amidst ongoing contract negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and calls for an investigation into the negotiation process. Ald. Gilbert Villegas has raised concerns about potential corruption and the possibility of a lawsuit if Martinez is fired.
Read more »
Chicago School Board Expected to Fire CEO MartinezThe Chicago Board of Education faces a critical vote on Friday. While a plan to keep seven Acero charter schools open is on the agenda, the main focus is on the potential firing of CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. The Mayor and the Chicago Teacher's Union have called for his dismissal due to his refusal to secure a high-interest loan to fund a new teacher's contract.
Read more »
Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez's lawyer threatens lawsuit if school board fires himThe Chicago Board of Education has scheduled a special meeting Friday night to potentially fire Martinez.
Read more »
Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez files lawsuit seeking to stop school board from firing himThe Chicago Board of Education has scheduled a special meeting Friday night to potentially fire Martinez.
Read more »