Mayor Johnson Names New CPS Board Members Following Mass Resignations

On Monday, Mayor Brandon Johnson appointed six new members to Chicago’s school board, following the resignation of all seven previous board members. Johnson acted quickly to fill the vacancies, emphasizing his commitment to stabilizing the leadership of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) amid a period of significant change and budget challenges.

At a South Side church, Johnson introduced the new members, stating that although they are still undergoing a formal vetting process, it is expected they will remain in place when the board expands to a hybrid model in January. The new model will include 11 mayoral appointees and 10 elected representatives, marking a shift toward a more balanced structure in CPS governance.

“I’m confident these new candidates will work to lead CPS into the world-class school system that our children deserve,” Johnson said, highlighting his focus on improving educational outcomes for students.

Johnson, a former Chicago Teachers Union organizer, has been vocal about his vision for CPS, particularly in addressing the district’s nearly $10 billion budget and ensuring that funding priorities are aligned with student needs. His leadership contrasts with that of CEO Pedro Martinez, with whom he has had differences over budget strategies. Despite some reports suggesting Johnson wanted Martinez to step down, the CEO has opted to stay, citing the importance of stability in the district.

The resignations of the outgoing board members, all of whom were appointed by Johnson, came without public comment, leading to a mix of responses. Over the weekend, 41 of the city’s 50 aldermen, including some of Johnson’s supporters, signed a letter calling for more consultation with the City Council before confirming the new appointees. They also raised concerns over a $300 million high-interest loan to cover next year’s salary increases and pension costs.

Johnson’s chief of staff, Cristina Pacione-Zayas, reassured the public that the appointees were being thoroughly vetted to avoid conflicts of interest.

During the press conference, Johnson addressed criticisms and compared the situation to the 2013 school closures under former Mayor Rahm Emanuel, a policy Johnson actively opposed as an organizer. He maintained that his approach prioritizes student needs and long-term stability for the district.

The new appointees include a former Chicago Teachers Union member, a minister, and an environmental activist, reflecting Johnson’s commitment to diverse perspectives on the board. As CPS navigates financial challenges and stalled contract negotiations with the teachers’ union, these new board members are expected to help guide the district through these difficulties.

Johnson’s appointments will serve until the first round of school board elections is held, leading to a fully elected board by 2027, a move that aligns with his broader goal of increasing community involvement in CPS governance.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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