As school year winds down, time running out to name new Chicago Public Schools, or CPS, CEO
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — As the school year winds down, time is ticking to name a new Chicago Public Schools CEO.

Although the 21-member School Board has differing opinions, there is a consensus that the district’s future leader should be a superintendent, rather than a chief operating officer.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

“How can we possibly request state funding for our schools if we’re not adhering to the state’s requirement for a superintendent?” questioned Dr. Che “Rhymefest” Smith, an elected Board member.

Smith spearheaded the initiative for all school board members to adopt a non-binding resolution, ensuring that the next CPS leader, whether interim or permanent, possesses a superintendent’s license.

“Superintendent’s licensure means you have a special certification that says you know the core work of schools, you know how schools should be ran, and you also have a master’s degree in education,” Smith said.

RELATED: Outgoing Chicago Public Schools Chief Education Officer discusses future of CPS: ‘Time to step out’

But, Mayor Brandon Johnson, a former teacher, does not think the license is necessary to lead the nation’s fourth-largest school district.

“There are individuals who have taught at the community college level and have led at the community college level that could be available for positions like that,” Johnson said.

Johnson says while a strong education background is important, so is a leader who shares his vision on the direction of CPS, specifically sustainable community schools.

Because CPS CEO Pedro Martinez leaves in June, the mayor says he will have to choose an interim CEO. He used School Board President Sean Harden as an example of the kind of leader he is looking for.

“I actually think there’s something pretty special about our board president, which I think is a model for how our next interim could relate to the school board, someone who is a product of our public education system,” Johnson said.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Screenshot of Chris Martin asking a couple if they are legitimate at a Coldplay concert.

Chris Martin from Coldplay Shares Laugh with Couple After Spotting ‘Cheater’ and Jokingly Asks ‘Are You Serious?’

CHRIS Martin shared a light-hearted exchange with a couple featured on the…
WNBA signature sneakers shine at All-Star weekend

WNBA Signature Sneakers Take the Spotlight at All-Star Weekend

Over the last three years, Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and A’ja Wilson…
Mexico City plans to tackle gentrification after protests against mass tourism

Mexico City to Address Gentrification Amid Protests Against Mass Tourism

On Wednesday, the Mexico City administration unveiled a preliminary strategy to tackle…
Hearts & Heroes: the story of flooding in the Texas Hill Country

Courage & Compassion: Tales of Flooding in Texas Hill Country

The toll of the Hill Country floods is unimaginable. More…
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper arriving at a meeting.

Outrage as Labour Ministers Can’t Confirm Number of Foreign Criminal Deportations Halted by Human Rights Laws

Last night, HOME OFFICE ministers were criticized for their failure to provide…
California wildfire victims face uphill battle as corporations and investors swoop in

California Wildfire Survivors Struggle as Big Companies and Investors Move In

Six months following California’s most destructive wildfire, recovery efforts have begun. Properties…
Former UK police officer found guilty in brutal killing of wife who uncovered his double life

Ex-UK Officer Convicted for Wife’s Murder After She Discovered His Secret Life

A former police officer from England has been convicted of murdering his…
LaSalle County double murder: Sheridan victims ID'd as Sidney Schlitz, Melissa Vissman; Suspect Ronald Martin in custody

Double Homicide in LaSalle County: Victims Identified as Sidney Schlitz and Melissa Vissman; Suspect Ronald Martin Arrested

SHERIDAN, Ill. (WLS) — A day long manhunt ended Thursday, after a…
In-N-Out heiress Lynsi Snyder reveals she's moving family out of California as company expands east

In-N-Out Heiress Lynsi Snyder Announces Move Out of California as Business Expands Eastward

In-N-Out of here! Billionaire Lynsi Snyder, heir to the In-N-Out Burger fortune,…
Mugshot of Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderon.

41-Year-Old Mom Allegedly Faked ICE Kidnapping to Raise Money for Family, Crafted Deceptive Photo

A MOM accused of faking her own kidnapping and blaming it on…
Martha Stewart, Serena Kerrigan, more attend dinner hosted by Bilt CEO Ankur Jain

Martha Stewart, Serena Kerrigan, and others join dinner hosted by Bilt CEO Ankur Jain

Ankur Jain, the founder and CEO of Bilt Rewards, along with his…
Cierra Ortega exits 'Love Island USA' days before finale amid backlash

Peacock to Increase Subscription Fees by $3 per Month Starting July 2025

With the updated prices, Peacock’s ad-supported plan will be slightly pricier than…