Mayor Brandon Johnson on Monday announced the appointment of six new members to the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) board, replacing all seven members who resigned last week in a move fueled by escalating tensions over control of the nation’s third-largest school district, The Associated Press reports.
The mayor said he would name a seventh member at a later date.
The appointments come amidst heavy criticism and allegations of power consolidation, with even Johnson’s own political allies expressing concerns. The new board members, while technically nominees, will effectively take control of the district until a hybrid board with both elected and appointed members takes office in January.
Johnson’s decision to appoint the new board comes after a weeks-long clash with CPS CEO Pedro Martinez, appointed by Johnson’s predecessor. The mayor has repeatedly voiced his desire to remove Martinez, citing differing perspectives on the district’s budget and future direction.
The outgoing board members, handpicked by Johnson himself in 2023, have not commented on their sudden resignations. The move left a power vacuum and raised questions about Johnson’s handling of the situation, particularly given his campaign promises of transparency and community involvement.
The new board’s authority extends to approving the district’s budget, confirming the CEO, and overseeing policy and contracts. With the board set to remain in place until the hybrid board assumes control in January, speculation abounds about Johnson’s future plans for Martinez and the district’s financial future.
While Johnson dismissed the criticisms surrounding his appointments, claiming they were necessary to ensure a smooth transition to the hybrid board, concerns remain about the lack of public input and the potential for undue influence over the district.
