The Board of Education voted unanimously to fire Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez during a special meeting Friday night. Martinez has filed a lawsuit in an attempt to prevent them from ousting him.
The Latino Leadership Council, issued the following statement condemning the firing Martinez.
The Latino Leadership Council strongly condemns the Chicago Board of Education’s unanimous vote to “terminate without cause” Chicago Public School CEO Pedro Martinez. This decision shamefully betrays the progress achieved, the trust in our Latino Leadership, and commitment to the future of our students’ success.
The Latino Leadership Council is deeply disappointed and profoundly concerned by the Chicago Board of Education’s dismissal of Martinez. This decision is both shortsighted and detrimental to the progress of our city’s educational system.
Pedro Martinez, a CPS graduate, parent, and the first Latino CEO of Chicago Public Schools, has been an unwavering champion for equity and excellence in education. During his tenure, he made significant strides in addressing systemic inequities, fostering inclusivity, and elevating student outcomes. In the face of unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, systemic barriers and political pressures that seek to destabilize our school system, CEO Martinez stands as a trusted ally of our communities.
These feigned motives, concocted by the allies of CTU and the Mayor (Brandon Johnson), in justifying the dismissal of Martinez’ not only undermines the progress made by Martinez’ leadership but also sends a disheartening message to the Latino community, which represents 47% of Chicago’s student population. It calls into question the Board’s commitment to fair governance, educational equity, and the integrity of Chicago’s public schools.
This dismissal follows a troubling pattern of instability. All seven of Mayor Johnson’s prior appointees resigned in October, citing pressure to act on behalf of political interests rather than prioritizing the city’s students. The newly appointed board president resigned just seven days after being sworn in. Now, board members with less than three months in their roles have made a reckless decision that jeopardizes the future of CPS, Chicago’s taxpayers, and the education of our students.
We stand firmly in support of Pedro Martinez and applaud his unwavering dedication to CPS, its teachers, parents, and—most importantly—the students it serves. The Chicago Board of Education must be held accountable for this failure of leadership and the harm it has caused to our community and our schools.
Cover Photo: Credit Pedro Martinez on X
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