Mayor Brandon Johnson’s ties to Chicago Public Schools (CPS) are raising ethical questions amidst ongoing contract negotiations between CPS and the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU). A legal filing by CPS CEO Pedro Martinez highlights the potential conflict of interest stemming from Johnson’s continued leave of absence from CPS while serving as mayor. The filing notes that Johnson, a former teacher, would financially benefit from any salary increases negotiated for CPS teachers, should he return to a teaching position.
A 2023 memo from CPS Chief Talent Officer Ben Felton, included in the filing and first reported by the Chicago Tribune, expresses concerns about this arrangement, not only regarding the mayor but also former Deputy Mayor Jen Johnson (no relation). Felton’s memo details conversations where he voiced concerns about a potential conflict of interest given the mayor’s oversight of the Board of Education and the possibility of guaranteed future employment for both Johnsons upon their return to CPS. He suggested resignations to mitigate the conflict. However, Deputy Mayor Johnson reported that the city’s ethics adviser had reviewed the situation and found no concerns.
The CPS board voted to fire Martinez, although his contract mandates a six-month continuation in his role. Martinez subsequently sought and received a temporary restraining order from a Cook County judge preventing the board from interfering with his duties or directing CPS staff, following an incident where board members attended a union bargaining session without his knowledge or approval. The judge ordered the board not to participate in contract talks without Martinez’s approval.
Meanwhile, the CTU reported a significant slowdown in contract negotiations, accusing CPS of dragging its feet. Union representatives expressed concern that CPS is no longer committed to reaching a deal by January 6th, a deadline the CTU is pushing to meet before a new school board is seated and Donald Trump’s inauguration. CPS officials have countered that many of their proposals are unaffordable given the district’s significant budget deficits. Martinez’s filing also cites a letter indicating that the CTU has drastically shortened the negotiating timeline compared to previous contract talks.