Alderman Urges Rescheduling of School Board Meeting to Oust CPS CEO
Alderman Debra Silverstein calls for a reschedule to ensure all can participate in the meeting regarding CPS CEO Pedro Martinez’s future
Chicago, CPS, Pedro Martinez, Debra Silverstein, School Board, Teachers Union
Chicago: An alderman is pushing for the Board of Education to change the date of a special meeting set for Friday. The meeting is crucial because it could lead to the firing of schools chief Pedro Martinez or a settlement offer. Ald. Debra Silverstein, the only Jewish member of the City Council, wants to ensure that everyone can join in, especially since the meeting falls during Shabbat.
Silverstein pointed out that this timing makes it tough for observant Jewish residents, teachers, and parents to participate. She wrote a letter explaining that Shabbat starts at sundown on Friday and lasts until Saturday night, which would prevent many from attending.
Her request is part of a larger call from various voices urging the board to hold off on any decisions about Martinez until the board expands from seven to 21 members in January. This change is happening amid tense negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union.
The special meeting is set for 5:45 p.m. at a South Side administrative building. The agenda was updated to include two options: either approve a settlement with Martinez or terminate his position.
Silverstein emphasized that the issues discussed at this meeting are vital for all Chicago residents. When asked for comments about her letter, the district didn’t respond right away, and the mayor’s office also stayed quiet on the matter.
Martinez has faced scrutiny for not taking a $300 million high-interest loan to cover a new teachers contract and a pension payment. He believes that taking on such debt would be irresponsible for the already struggling district.
With the teachers’ contract expired since June, negotiations have intensified recently. Some aldermen and advocates are concerned that Mayor Brandon Johnson is using his connections with the teachers’ union to push a plan that could jeopardize the district’s financial stability.
After the agenda was updated, social media lit up with reactions. Hugo Jacobo, from Chicago Democrats for Education, even shared a petition to save Martinez from being fired just before the holiday break.
Newly elected board members, set to join in January, are also asking for the meeting to be rescheduled. Che “Rhymefest” Smith, a new board member, expressed hope that the full board would be present to make better decisions on such important matters.
Other organizations have also voiced their concerns, stating that rushing this decision is unfair to Chicago voters. They argue that the process should be transparent and inclusive, respecting the democratic reforms that have been fought for.