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* Sun-Times…
The entire Chicago Board of Education is resigning, a stunning development after months of acrimony that clears the way for Mayor Brandon Johnson to appoint a new board that will follow his orders — fire schools CEO Pedro Martinez, make a contract deal with the Chicago Teachers Union and take a loan to cover a city pension payment and the teachers’ contract this year.
Johnson confirmed Friday in an exclusive interview that the expected resignations of all seven board members will come later this month. This will be announced in a joint statement from the School Board and Chicago Public Schools, he said. WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times first reported the possibility of resignations on Monday.
* Mayor Johnson’s spin…
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. 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.
Together, Mayor Johnson and the Board fulfilled many objectives of the Johnson Administration’s vision for Chicago’s public schools, including shifting away from inequitable student-based budgeting, completing the change to a school safety model that does not rely on school resource officers and focusing on Black Student Success. Their partnership also improved special education services, increased charter school accountability in the renewal process and embarked on a new five-year strategic plan that emphasizes continued progress, investing in neighborhood schools and expanding the Sustainable Community School model in lieu of school closures.
None of the members leaving the current Board planned to continue onto the hybrid Board, and none are running for election. With the unprecedented increase in Board membership, transitioning new members now will allow them time to orient and gain critical experience prior to welcoming additional elected and appointed members in 2025.
The new board doesn’t take office until next year. Nothing in that joint release from the mayor and the board says what they’re gonna do after this month ends.
* Press release from Johnson opponents…
Today, community leaders and elected officials will call on Governor Pritzker to step into the CPS crisis created by Mayor Johnson and CTU’s power grab as Board of Education members resign to give Johnson full control of the Chicago Public Schools one month before voters elect independent school board members.
A Press Conference will be held today at 5 pm in front of CPS, 42 W. Madison St. with elected officials and community leaders.
“Johnson has confirmed the rumors circulating in Chicago that he is seeking the ouster of Pedro Martinez as CEO of the Chicago Public Schools at all cost,” states Gilbert Villegas, Alderman of the 36th Ward. “Today’s resignation of school board members is nothing more than a power grab by Johnson and his benefactors at CTU leaving Chicagoans and taxpayers without a leader to look out for their interests - their children. We need a neutral party to step in. We ask our Governor JB Pritzker to step in on behalf of parents and taxpayers.”
“We are calling on Governor Pritzker to step up to provide the kind of leadership he has shown across the state and give parents and taxpayers a neutral arbiter in CTU contract negotiations and budget approval,” states George Cardenas, Commissioner of the Board of Review. “Taxpayers are fed up having to pay the bills for money being squandered with no return on their investment for their children.”
“Johnson campaigned on a pledge to bring an elected school board to Chicago that will represent the interests of parents not City Hall,” states Juan Rangel, CEO of The Urban Center. “Yet, Johnson is doing everything to undermine an independent elected school board just as voters start going to the polls to vote. We need to restore check and balances. We looking to Governor Pritzker’s leadership to provide that.”
* I reached out to the governor’s office earlier today. From Alex Gough…
The Governor doesn’t have the legal authority to intervene in this situation. As he’s stated previously, Governor Pritzker’s focus is first and foremost what’s good for Illinois students. The administration will continue to work with our partners in the Illinois General Assembly to invest in public education across the state.
…Adding… WBEZ…
Ald. Byron Sigcho Lopez, 25th Ward, a close ally of Johnson’s, pushed back against the idea that this is an embarrassment for Johnson. Instead, he shifted blame to the state, arguing that if Illinois allocated enough money to CPS, the city wouldn’t have to consider taking out a loan in the first place.
“The mayor is doing what the majority of Chicago would like to see: changes in CPS that actually deliver results,” he said. “This is an embarrassment for the state of Illinois that we have a governor who is unwilling to work with the city of Chicago … it’s an embarrassment for our political system that we are failing our students and our teachers and our communities.” […]
The power struggle playing out in a messy back-and-forth through opinion pieces, statements and news conferences, is an unnecessary distraction that will breed mistrust among state lawmakers who both City Hall and CPS will be asking for funds, said state Rep. Kam Buckner, an ally of Johnson’s in Springfield.
“We’re now talking about personalities and personnel and politics, which I think is the wrong stance,” Buckner said Wednesday ahead of the resignations. “My advice is to address and resolve these leadership challenges behind closed doors, where the key stakeholders can meet, deliberate and present a unified plan, because effective governance and clear communication will go a long way in gathering support from Springfield.” […]
“It needs to be very clear who is leading the district, what their plan and what their vision is. You can’t come to Springfield asking for more resources if leadership is in disarray and we don’t know what’s going on one day to the next,” Buckner said.
…Adding… Jennifer Custer, candidate for School Board in District 1, who is endorsed by the Chicago Teachers Unioin…
Yet again Brandon Johnson has played politics at our schools resulting in chaos and putting our kids’ education at risk. Chicagoans are already voting for their first elected school board on November 5th. Voters should decide who runs our schools, not the Mayor. As a Board member I will never run from a fight and will always place the interests of our children first. Whether that is fighting Mayor Johnson’s reckless policies or the special interests that our trying to gut public education.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 1:25 pm
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What a sad state of affairs. And I believe the governor is correct, he has no legal authority to intervene. Please somebody prove me wrong.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 1:31 pm
Look at the bright side, not boring anymore….
I don’t think I need to wonder if Toni P is having regrets over her decision to back Johnson.
Comment by Fav Human Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 1:37 pm
CTU Stacey runs the 5th floor .. nothing new here. CPS bankrupt in 8 months.
Comment by NotRich Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 1:37 pm
How is that for a Friday afternoon news dump?
Comment by ChrisB Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 1:38 pm
Maybe there is a reason to start the veto session now?
Comment by Proud Sucker Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 1:39 pm
I think this is going end poorly for him, hopefully I am wrong.
But let’s take out a loan to give the CTU what they want, which is an interesting approach.
Comment by OneMan Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 1:40 pm
I don’t understand why the board members would agree to resign…
Comment by Darren Bailey's Blowtorch Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 1:40 pm
The city budget just got a lot easier
Comment by Two Left Feet Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 1:42 pm
Not enough Chicago votes in the G A to bail out Chicago AND CPS during the 2025 Veto session 💣
Comment by NotRich Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 1:46 pm
Where is the mayor going to find 7 people willing to get sued personally. Good luck finding more loyalists after you just dumped a whole class of loyalists
Comment by Toby Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 1:48 pm
If I were Pritzker I would lay down a marker (or another marker) to not expct the state to bail out CPS. And I’m going to put this out there again: there’s at least one U.S. appeallate court (not the Seventh Circuit) that has said the bankruptcy code overrides state pension protection laws because of the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution. I don’t know at what point CPS’ budget deficit becomes so large that it’s better to suffer the admittedly huge negative impacts of a CPS bankruptcy (which would have to be allowed by the state IIRC), but it can’t be nonexistent.
Comment by lake county democrat Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 1:49 pm
::: I don’t understand why the board members would agree to resign:::
Me neither. Is the play to paralyze everything until the elected board is seated?
Comment by Save Ferris Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 1:52 pm
One thing not to forget: This is already Johnson’s Board. From Block Club Chicago: “In three decades of mayoral control, no Chicago mayor has replaced all of their hand-picked members so quickly. Johnson hand-picked six of seven members last July.”
Is Johnson saying that it was a mistake to pick all of these members, who clearly came in, saw the reality of the situation, and couldn’t agree to CTU’s unreasonable demands? Is he going to go straight to the CTU leadership to find appointees now and stop the charade?
Comment by NIU Grad Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 1:54 pm
===which would have to be allowed by the state IIRC===
You recall correctly and it’s never been done.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 1:55 pm
==Where is the mayor going to find 7 people==
I humbly submit myself for the role. Unfortunately, I have certain beliefs that chafe against SDG, Jackson “My Mom Made Millions Off The Union I now Work For” Potter and Mayor Johnson.
One of the beliefs they’ll likely find disagreeable: I believe our children should read at grade school level.
Comment by Alton Sinkhole Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 1:56 pm
===Maybe there is a reason to start the veto session now? ===
And do what?
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 1:58 pm
It’s a Friday afternoon massacre from King Lear. I would have wished the Board held firm, but I cannot begrudge them for leaving this raggedy administration.
Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 1:59 pm
Such cowards to resign. You have a fiduciary duty not to resign period.
Comment by 44 Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 2:02 pm
Here is your chance JB to show real leadership. Don’t give me this your hands are tied. At least criticize what is going on? You want a national reputation for presidency? Take this tough task on and do what is right.
Comment by 44 Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 2:05 pm
It wasn’t a complete take over, but there was a Financial Advisory Board that took over fiscal responsibilities for the East St. Louis School District.I can’t remember if the state or some other entity forced it.
Comment by levivotedforjudy Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 2:14 pm
This is so raggedy.
Comment by Henry Francis Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 2:19 pm
Probably shouldn’t have deferred to the mayor on the hybrid school board, Sen. Harmon.
Comment by DS Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 2:21 pm
=Take this tough task on and do what is right.=
And do exactly what?
Comment by Pundent Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 2:27 pm
Mayor Johnson truly does govern like Trump, no experience, no forethought, no outside advice, no fiscal responsibility. Nada. Just loyalty to the cause and fealty to the ruler (SDG or Johnson, not sure which can be considered acting mayor at this point to be honest)
Comment by Charles Edward Cheese Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 2:27 pm
What is it exactly that people would like for the governor to do specifically? “Take on tough tasks and do what’s right” is a fine thing to put on a mail piece if you’re running for something, but it isn’t an action item once you get to the governing part. A leader doesn’t insert themselves into other people’s business to get a press hit.
Comment by Who else Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 2:40 pm
=I can’t remember if the state=
State, and it was complete.
Comment by JS Mill Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 2:54 pm
Jeez, Sigcho Lopez. That’s all there is to say.
Comment by Jurist Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 2:58 pm
The Governor probably can’t do anything, but I also firmly believe that if the Governor actually did have the authority to press a button that undid the board resignations, he would not do so. The Governor has no incentive to get involved here, on either side.
Comment by Garfield Ridge Guy Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 3:16 pm
I see a lot of criticism from commenters on this blog who spent years attacking an elected school board. Folks, this is the system you argued and argued to protect. Live with it.
Comment by Google Is Your Friend Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 3:19 pm
What is bothering the bleep out of me is that this is not Rinkydink, Tennessee. This is the 3rd largest city in America, with people paying their money in taxes, relying on city services, and it has big problems, big debt and apparently an empty suit who’s happier taking selfies with Shaq and Dennis Rodman than he is governing.
Someone needs to tell MBJ that this is a REAL job. A real BIG job. It’s not like winning the spelling bee, where you get a shiny medal and you’re done and move on — this takes actual thought and hard work, and if you can’t do it, segue out of it.
Pritzker, that’s gotta come from you.
Comment by Old IL Dude Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 3:23 pm
Point of Information
In 1980, the Legislature and the governor created the Chicago School Finance Authority in the wake of CPS’ 1979-80 financial crisis. The SFA’s charge was to exercise financial control over the Chicago Board of Education and furnish financial assistance to keep the city’s public schools operating. The authority had the power to issue bonds and levy a separate property tax for debt service; in all, more than $1.1 billion was borrowed, with final repayment in 2009. After 1995 legislation transferred control of CPS to Mayor Richard M. Daley, the authority’s main job was to administer its outstanding bonds’ once they were retired, the authority was dissolved.
Respectfully submitted,
Charlie Wheeler
Comment by Charlie Wheeler Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 3:27 pm
Re: Jennifer Custer’s CTU endoresement: She might want to check into the status of that endoresement today.
Comment by NIU Grad Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 3:33 pm
Interesting that the CTU endorsed candidate in District 1 Jennifer Custer is distancing herself from Johnson. How do you square that?
Comment by Southsider Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 3:37 pm
=Pritzker, that’s gotta come from you.=
Nope. If anyone needs to call Johnson out for not being up to the task of leading the city, it has to be the voters. That’s why we have elections and as we’re frequently reminded they have consequences.
Comment by Pundent Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 3:41 pm
===How do you square that? ===
Northwest Side.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 3:50 pm
Pritzker can’t use this to step in on CPS but ISBE has all kinds of reasons to be able to step in. They were close in the physical restraint and seclusion oversight; there is more to come on Camie Pratt and the Title IX department at CPS and special education remains a whole mess.
The ask of Pritzker to bring the money to CPS could come in the form of ISBE intervention (either as regional or general superintendent) and personnel/appointment of a board of their own in the event of an ISBE takeover.
It’s not that he has no mechanism; he has none he’s willing to state right now out loud.
Comment by Chicago Voter Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 4:02 pm
Johnson allies picking a fight with a popular Governor with an A+ political/government team. That should work out well for the Mayor in Springfield. Johnson quickly becoming a less competent version of Bruce Rauner.
Comment by Red Ranger Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 4:05 pm
So the mayor / CTU’a proposals are so bad that even their endorsed candidates are running away from them. Remarkable.
Comment by low level Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 4:08 pm
Could legislature vote to change chicago school board to be 11 members effective January (one appointed plus the ten elected) or is it too late?
Comment by Parent Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 4:09 pm
Could legislature vote to change chicago school board to be 11 members effective January (one appointed plus the ten elected) or is it too late?
Comment by Parent Friday, Oct 4, 24 @ 4:09 pm