The Chicago Board of Education has unveiled a shortlist of potential candidates vying for the role of CEO of Chicago Public Schools. This announcement comes after a rigorous selection process that saw over 100 applicants from across the nation.
Among the distinguished individuals under consideration are Dr. Macquline King, Dr. Sito Narcisse, and Dr. Meisha Porter. Each brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to this crucial leadership position.
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Dr. King is currently fulfilling the responsibilities of interim CEO for Chicago Public Schools, providing her with firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities within the district.
Dr. Narcisse, who has held the position of superintendent for the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, brings a strong record of educational leadership and reform.
Dr. Porter, with her previous experience as the chancellor of New York City Schools, offers a broad understanding of managing one of the largest public school systems in the country.
The decision on who will ultimately lead the Chicago Public Schools is of great significance, as it will shape the future educational landscape for one of the largest school districts in the United States. The selection process continues as the board evaluates each candidate’s vision and strategy for advancing the district’s educational goals.
The selection comes despite a call from some school board members to wait until a fully elected board is in place to name a new CEO.
The process to find someone has taken several months.
“For parents in our network, Kids First Chicago, what they want is a CPS CEO who will tell the truth, who will lead with integrity, who will put students first, and will make tough decisions, regardless of the politics behind them,” said Hal Woods, with Kids First Chicago.
And it’s been a process fraught with politics. The search for a new CEO followed the firing of former schools chief Pedro Martinez by Mayor Brandon Johnson’s handpicked school board.
Johnson chose King, who came from City Hall, to serve as the interim CEO.
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“A lot of us were concerned once Dr. King was named, given the fact that she came for the administration. But she clearly quickly determined that she has some independence, which is exactly what we want,” 36th Ward Alderman Gilbert Villegas said.
King fell out of favor with Johnson when she refused to accept the mayor’s and the Chicago Teachers Union’s budget plan, which included a controversial loan.
King didn’t make the cut when a list of three finalists was leaked to the press last fall.
The process then blew up. Following pressure from some City Council members and community groups, King is back on a new list.
“She should be one of the finalists, given the fact that she is at the reins now. So I’m glad to see that public pressure is continuing to push this administration to do the right thing,” Villegas said.
Porter served as the New York City schools chancellor under then-Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Porter and the third candidate, Narcisse, are former teachers and principals. Narcisse served as superintendent of East Baton Rouge Public Schools from 2021-2024. King, also a former principal, is a product of CPS.
“There had been a preference from parents in our network about someone that has Chicago roots, Chicago background. But I think they’re open to again, who is going to lead with integrity, with honesty, with transparency,” Woods said.
A fully elected school board will be in place next January. Some alders and board members have urged the board president to halt the process and allow a new board to name the next CEO rather than the mayor.
All three candidates will be interviewed by Mayor Johnson and a community panel made up of educators, parents and students. The school board will then hold a special meeting to name the next CEO.
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