CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - A state representative says the expected removal today of the head of the Chicago Public Schools would make it harder for him to advocate for the city.
State Representative Kam Buckner calls the ouster of Pedro Martinez in the middle of the school year “extremely problematic." The Democrat says he and other members of the Chicago delegation would have a hard time asking for additional money for CPS in Springfield.
“It makes the ask very difficult when it looks, from the outside at least, extremely chaotic,” Buckner told WBBM.
Alderman Bill Conway calls firing Martinez in the middle of contract negotiations “irresponsible” and says it puts the city in an even more precarious financial position. Conway says the students deserve stability.
Meanwhile, an ally of the mayor Alderman William Hall supports the move, saying under Martinez, schools have closed, facilities are deteriorating and students have not gotten resources they need.
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