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
Woman in white dress against a white wall.

Influential Belly Dancer Detained for ‘Seductive Methods’ and ‘Revealing Private Parts’ in Popular Online Videos

A BELLY dancer influencer has been arrested for “using seduction techniques” and…
UK man challenges himself to walk barefoot for a year

British Man Takes on Year-Long Barefoot Walking Challenge

Meet the man who is spending every day barefoot – for a…
Two girls in dresses stand together near a statue.

Girls, 11 and 13, Tragically Found Deceased Hand-in-Hand After Being Carried 15 Miles by Floodwaters; Father’s Rescue Attempt Fails

TWO young girls were found dead with their hands interlocked after raging…
Man in hospital bed with bandaged hand.

Surfer Attacked in World’s Top Shark Attack Location as Predator Strikes ‘Unexpectedly Like a Bear Trap’

A SURFER has been attacked by a shark in a tourist destination…
Over 60 UFO sightings reported whizzing across state in first half of 2025, national tracking group says

More Than 60 UFO Sightings Reported Across State in Early 2025, Says National Tracking Group

New York state has documented 66 Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) sightings in…
Gavin Newsom swings through South Carolina, where Democrats will play pivotal 2028 nominating role

Gavin Newsom Visits South Carolina as Democrats Gear Up for Key 2028 Nominating Role

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is embarking on a two-day tour in South…
Russian minister found dead hours after Putin fired him

Russian Official Discovered Dead Shortly After Dismissal by Putin

Russia’s transport minister, who also previously served as governor of the Kursk…
Michael Madsen was sober before sudden death: report

Report: Michael Madsen Maintained Sobriety Before His Unexpected Passing

Michael Madsen was trying to turn his life around right up until…
A blindfolded man's fingers being amputated by a circular saw.

How Iran is Silencing Critics: Neighbors Spying, Mass Executions, and Restricting Communications After Loss to Israel

TYRANNICAL leaders in Iran have demanded citizens act as undercover informants to…
A Vermont dairy farm was raided. The mixed messages from Washington since then have increased fears

Mixed Messages from Washington Heighten Concerns Following Vermont Dairy Farm Raid

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — After six 12-hour shifts milking cows, José Molina-Aguilar’s…
Clovis woman Alyssa Kincaid battles stage 4 lymphoma cancer after symptoms while five months pregnant in California

Clovis Resident Alyssa Kincaid Faces Stage 4 Lymphoma During Pregnancy

CLOVIS, Calif. — A Clovis woman is facing a life-threatening diagnosis while…
Man in blue Tivy Antlers shirt at a football game.

Camp Mystic Director’s Heroic Last Effort to Rescue Girls from Texas Floods as Torrential Waters Swept Through Cabins, Killing 27

THE director of Camp Mystic desperately tried to save young girls in…