‘The experience of a lifetime': Ousted Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez bids farewell in final Board of Education meeting
CHICAGO (WGN) — Thursday marked the final Board of Education meeting for embattled Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez, who landed a new job after previous board members fired him late last year.
Martinez reflected on his time with CPS, calling the chance to lead one of the nation's biggest school districts the experience of a lifetime. Martinez revealed that the journey first began after his family migrated from Mexico when he was 5 years old.
'I was at Walsh Elementary, where I learned how to speak English, where teachers began to see the potential in me that I did not see in myself,' Martinez said. 'That trend continued to Benito Juarez, where teachers and counselors encouraged me to challenge myself. And guide me towards being the first in my family to go to college.'
Ousted CPS CEO Martinez earns nod to lead Massachusetts Board of Education
But his role as CPS CEO, which he accepted in 2021, likely did not end as he envisioned.
Last December, Martinez was fired without cause amid conflict with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and his refusal to take out a high-interest loan to help finance a new Chicago Teachers Union contract and a pension payment for non-teacher staff, a move Martinez said was fiscally irresponsible. Nonetheless, Martinez says he's proud of the work he leaves behind.
'Our graduation rate has never been higher; over 84%,' he said. 'Nearly seven out of 10 CPS graduates are enrolling in college. More than half of our CPS students are earning college credit and industry certification or another career credential while still in high school.'
Martinez has since been hired to lead the Massachusetts Board of Elementary Education.
Through all the turmoil, CPS and CTU reached an agreement on a new contract in April. Chicago Teachers Union president Stacy Davis Gates also attended Thursday's board meeting. The CTU boss held a press conference earlier in the day on charter school renewals and wished the outgoing Martinez well.
Reaction pouring in after Board of Education voted to fire CPS CEO Pedro Martinez
'CEO Pedro Martinez, I wish you Godspeed and the best of luck in your new endeavor,' she said. 'I also would suggest very strongly to you to get to know Jessica Tang and Max Page, two very honorable labor leaders who would love to partner with you.'
As for the search for a new CPS CEO, Several brainstorming sessions are still scheduled. As of this writing, the job description has not been finalized or posted yet, however.
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