The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Board of Education unanimously voted to fire CEO Pedro Martinez during a special meeting Friday night, culminating a months-long power struggle with Mayor Brandon Johnson. This decision, however, is far from settled. Hours before the meeting, Martinez filed a 44-page lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court against the Board and its members, alleging breach of contract and seeking a temporary restraining order, which was unsuccessful.
The board fired Martinez without cause, triggering a six-month payout of his $360,706 annual salary, followed by 20 weeks of severance totaling $138,733. While the board stated Martinez’s duties would be modified, specifics were not provided. Martinez, in a post-meeting press conference, expressed disappointment but emphasized the need for a smooth transition. He highlighted his background as a CPS graduate and insisted that any dismissal should adhere to his contract terms.
A new 21-member school board is scheduled to take office January 15th, with five members who voted to fire Martinez continuing their service. Sources indicate the board is considering appointing Sean Harden, Mayor Johnson’s choice for board president, as interim co-CEO to limit Martinez’s influence. This move, sources suggest, would facilitate actions Martinez had previously blocked, including settling a new union contract, processing a pension payment for non-teaching staff, and securing a short-term loan to address a budget deficit.
Martinez’s lawsuit argues that even with the six-month payout, altering his role without his written consent constitutes a contract violation. His attorney, Bill Quinlan, had previously sent a letter to the board urging them to postpone the meeting and avoid any action that would diminish Martinez’s role, emphasizing the potential harm to students and families. Quinlan’s letter accused the Chicago Teachers Union and Mayor Johnson of orchestrating a campaign to unlawfully terminate Martinez.
The Friday meeting included an hour of public comment from elected officials, both supporting and opposing Martinez. The board then went into closed session, where they voted to fire Martinez without informing him beforehand. Board members declined to comment following the vote.
The Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ previously reported on the mayor’s efforts to replace Martinez, stemming from disagreements over budget issues and a new union contract. This level of conflict during a CEO transition is unprecedented. While Mayor Johnson initially kept Martinez, the ongoing clashes led to the decision to remove him. Martinez’s refusal to resign or accept a buyout further escalated the situation.
Martinez’s contract allows for termination without cause, requiring only six months’ notice and severance. However, the lawsuit claims that installing a co-CEO and limiting Martinez’s role violates this contract, even if technically adhering to the notice period. The lawsuit also alleges individual board members acted outside their authority due to incomplete mandatory training. Martinez, however, acknowledged the board’s legal authority in his press conference.
The board’s previous consideration of firing Martinez for cause, citing wrongdoing or poor performance, was deemed too risky due to potential legal challenges. A buyout offer was also rejected by Martinez. Ironically, firing Martinez without cause earlier in the year would have concluded the six-month period in February; instead, he’ll remain until the end of the school year. Martinez’s recent performance review, which cited issues with scheduling meetings and leading the strategic plan, is also contested by his legal team as inaccurate and pretextual.
The meeting included testimony from thirteen elected officials, with some strongly criticizing the board’s actions and accusing them of being influenced by the mayor and the Chicago Teachers Union. Others, while acknowledging the potential legal risks, urged the board to proceed with the firing.