Education inequality is top of mind for the new CPS board leader, but I have doubts about the CEO’s future

CHICAGO (WGN) — New school board President Brandon Johnson believes the vision of the city’s most senior official takes precedence over any analysis, but he did not offer a clear answer Friday about the job security of Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez.

“We are focused on ensuring that Black students in particular know that they are loved, noticed and valued,” said Mayor Johnson, who met with students at The Collins Academy in North Lawndale.

The mayor of Chicago celebrated the investment in STEAM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programming with his new school board chairman, the Rev. Mitchell Johnson.

The planned closures of charter schools are the culmination of the first public meeting of the new Board of Education

“If the city is burning, don’t talk to me about anything other than putting out the fire. The biggest problem we have right now is inequality,” said Mitchell Johnson.

The new school board president spoke to reporters for the first time Friday during a tumultuous time for the district. Previous school board he resigned en masse excessive pressure to fire Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez. Even though the board took no action on his hiring at its first meeting, Mitchell Johnson was asked if it would be his top priority.

“That’s a tough question and I don’t have the answer,” Mitchell Johnson replied. “The first task is to consider the plight of black students.”

President Johnson also responded to reports of his removal from office in Ohio and a lien once placed on his home for failure to pay child support.

“I was offered this position because of my leadership skills and ability to achieve goals, that’s true,” he replied. “The good news is I wasn’t hired as an accountant or a lawyer.”

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