Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has appointed six new members to the Chicago Board of Education just days after all seven board members resigned amid a growing fight over control of the city’s schools. The move has raised concerns about maintaining continuity in governance.
“What’s being carried out right now is my authority as mayor of the city of Chicago,” Mayor Johnson said while taking questions during a news conference Monday, Oct. 7. “If you want to know, I am fulfilling the executive responsibility that is given to me by state law.”
The controversy surrounding the school board ignited when Johnson allegedly called for the CEO of Chicago Public Schools, Pedro Martinez, to step down, which Johnson denied.
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The seven board members — appointed by Johnson last year —resigned as negotiations between Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union ramped up amid a significant budget deficit facing the city.
In response to the resignations, Johnson appointed six new members and is now facing criticism from activist groups regarding his handling of the situation. The mayor, a former teachers union organizer, is accused of attempting to consolidate power.
Over the weekend, 41 of the city’s 50 aldermen signed a letter condemning the situation, demanding a hearing before the mayor appoints new board members.
Chicago will expand its school board to 21 members next year, including 11 appointed by the mayor and 10 elected members. Chicagoans will vote in just a few weeks to elect 10 of the new board members, who will be seated in January.
State legislators are reportedly drafting legislation that would require city council approval for all Chicago Public Schools’ board appointments.
