The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Board of Education is poised to remove CEO Pedro Martinez at a special meeting Friday evening. This move potentially concludes a months-long power struggle that has injected significant political tension into the school system. The board’s agenda includes two options: terminating Martinez’s contract or offering a buyout agreement.
The timing – Friday evening before the Christmas holiday, with schools already closed for winter break – adds to the extraordinary nature of this situation. The decision also comes days before a deadline for reaching a contract agreement with the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU). The Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ first reported in August that Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration was working to replace Martinez.
Martinez has already resisted two previous attempts to remove him from what he’s called his “dream job” leading the nation’s fourth-largest school system. He publicly rejected Johnson’s request for his resignation in September and refused a separation settlement earlier this month. However, the board’s consideration of a settlement or termination this week could force his hand. Sources indicate Martinez wished to remain in his position until at least the end of the school year. His attorney, Bill Quinlan, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Initially scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, the meeting was delayed and its agenda revised. The original agenda, posted less than 48 hours before the meeting as required by law, lacked any mention of votes concerning Martinez, only listing closed-session discussions of personnel matters. CPS officials and legal experts clarified that voting items must be explicitly listed for the board to take action. The agenda was subsequently updated to include votes on both a settlement and termination, and the meeting time was changed to 5:45 p.m.
The board’s hesitation to fire Martinez stems from his contract. Amended in December 2022 under former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the contract mandates six months’ notice for termination without cause, during which Martinez would continue working and facilitate a transition. This scenario entails 20 weeks of severance pay, totaling $138,733. His five-year contract extends to June 30, 2026. Firing Martinez “for cause” requires demonstrating misconduct, criminal activity, failure to perform duties, fraud, or other wrongdoing, as defined in the 2022 amendment. This includes “any other conduct inconsistent with the CEO’s duties and obligations…or that may be reasonably perceived to have a material adverse impact on the good name and integrity of CPS or the Board.” This clause, according to the contract, is subject to the board’s sole judgment. Supporters of Martinez argue this gives him grounds to sue the district and potentially individual board members. This concern, in part, led to the resignation of all school board members in October.
This situation unfolds as the CTU seeks a contract settlement by Christmas, increasingly demanding financial transparency from Martinez. The union has long advocated for Martinez’s replacement, blaming him for slow contract negotiations. While Johnson hasn’t publicly called for Martinez’s removal, his administration and his appointed school board have actively worked behind the scenes to achieve this.
CTU President Stacy Davis Gates stated that Martinez needs to address the financial implications of a new contract, emphasizing she won’t accept a deal that risks furloughs or layoffs. CPS claims insufficient funds to cover a new CTU contract. Gates also reiterated the possibility of the district needing a short-term loan to navigate the school year without budget cuts, dismissing the idea of the district’s inability to secure such a loan as “absolutely ridiculous.” The mayor’s office’s demand for a short-term loan to address a budget deficit was a major point of contention between the mayor and Martinez, who considered it fiscally irresponsible. Further fueling the conflict, Martinez did not allocate funds in the district’s budget for expected teacher and principal raises, nor for a pension payment demanded by City Hall.