From Underdog to Top Contender: How Macquline King Won Over CPS School Board Members

CHICAGO — Macquline King, a proud product of Chicago Public Schools, is on the brink of becoming the district’s new leader. Although she wasn’t initially a top contender for the role, many now believe she has demonstrated her capabilities beyond expectations.

As students prepare to return to CPS playgrounds and classrooms after spring break on Monday, the school district is expected to announce a permanent leadership decision on the same day.

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The Chicago Board of Education is anticipated to officially appoint King as the permanent CEO.

“After a year-long search process involving interviews with multiple candidates and over 100 applications, we are finally ready to vote,” stated Yesenia Lopez, an elected member of the school board.

King, who has previously served as a CPS teacher, principal, and senior education policy director for the mayor, stepped into the interim CEO role following the dismissal of Pedro Martinez. At that time, Lopez and others were skeptical of her temporary appointment, fearing she might simply endorse a budget supported by Mayor Brandon Johnson and the teacher’s union.

“I appreciate her thoughtful approach to the budget last year,” Lopez remarked, “She considered both short-term and long-term consequences, ensuring no classroom cuts occurred while also safeguarding the district’s financial stability in the long run.”

King refused mayoral pressure to take out a controversial loan. Her independence cost her. She did not make the list of three CEO finalists last fall. Leaks to the press caused the process to blow up. King made the cut in a recent new list, following pressure from community groups and City Council members.

“Allow this woman, who the board has picked, who has been there, who has been honest with us about what’s going on, actually do her job. Take the politics out of schools,” said 20th Ward Alderman Jeanette Taylor, Education Committee chair.

Because the almost year-long search for a new CEO was chaotic, Taylor is calling for new legislation to make the next selection process consistent with all stakeholders involved.

If approved, King’s starting salary is $380,000 per year. After seeing King grow into the job, Lopez now strongly supports her. But, she says King must hire more Latinos in CPS leadership positions.

“And as Dr. King builds her cabinet, I think it’s essential for her to have a representation of diversity that is a representation of students we serve,” Lopez said.

If King is approved on Monday, she officially becomes the permanent CEO July 1. It is a three-year contract. Whether she stays on or another CEO is selected in 2029, a fully elected school board will decide.