Lawyers for Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez sent a cease and desist letter to Chicago Board of Education members on Monday. This action followed the board members’ attendance at a bargaining session with the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU). The letter claims the board’s participation “unlawfully infringe[d] on and interfere[d]” with Martinez’s authority as the sole negotiator for the board. It demands the board cease any attempts to undermine his power and authority as CEO.
The CTU issued a statement Monday night, crediting the board’s presence with helping secure “tentative agreements for better health care.” However, the union criticized CPS representatives for obstructing discussions about addressing racial disparities in teacher evaluations. The union’s statement further criticized Martinez’s actions, stating that his attempt to control the board sets a “dangerous new precedent” and demonstrates a misunderstanding of his role and to whom he reports. A CPS spokesperson deferred comment to Martinez and his lawyers, who were unavailable for comment Monday night.
CTU vice president Jackson Potter noted on X that this was the first time board members had attended negotiations since 2012, when then-Board President David Vitale participated near the conclusion of bargaining. Potter stated the board members’ attendance aimed to assist both sides in reaching an agreement.
This incident unfolds amidst a larger conflict within CPS. Five days before Christmas, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s appointed school board fired Martinez without cause, a move that will retain him in his $360,706-a-year position for six months per his contract. While the board stated Martinez’s duties would be modified, they did not specify how. Reports suggest the board is considering installing Sean Harden, Johnson’s pick for new board president, as interim co-CEO to limit Martinez’s influence during this six-month period.
This maneuvering is believed to pave the way for a union contract, allow the district to secure a short-term loan to address a midyear budget deficit (avoiding layoffs or furloughs), and shift a pension payment for non-teaching staff onto the school system’s books. Martinez sought a temporary restraining order to block the board’s decision on Friday, but it was not heard in time. His 44-page lawsuit, alleging breach of contract, is scheduled for a hearing on Tuesday.