CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The head of a San Antonio, Texas school system has been named the next chief executive officer at Chicago Public Schools.
Mayor Lightfoot announced Wednesday that San Antonio Independent School District Superintendent (SAISD) Pedro Martinez will be the next head of Chicago Public Schools, becoming the first Latino to hold this position in the city's history outside of an interim capacity.
"Throughout the entirety of our search for CPS's next CEO, we remained laser-focused on selecting a candidate that not only has expertise overseeing a public school system as large and diverse as Chicago's, but shares the lived experiences of our students and their families," said Mayor Lightfoot, in a statement. "I am beyond pleased to share that Pedro exceeds these requirements and his historic appointment as CPS's first Latinx CEO is a true value add to our entire city. CPS and I want to formally congratulate Pedro on his new role and are confident that he will continue our school district's long, proud history of driving student excellence in an equitable and inclusive way."
Chicago Public Schools is the nation’s third-largest school system. The San Antonio Independent School District is just a bit larger than Illinois’ second largest school system, Elgin District U-46.
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Martinez, 51, is a Mexican immigrant. His family moved when he was 5-years old in search of a better life. Martinez graduated from Benito Juarez High School and grew up in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. After graduating from Benito Juarez High School, he earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a master’s in business administration from DePaul University. Martinez served for several years in administration positions at CPS before moving on to jobs in Las Vegas and San Antonio. He does not have any teaching experience or education degree.
He replaces Interim CEO Dr. José M. Torres, who filled the role following the resignation of Dr. Janice K. Jackson in June of this year. Jackson was appointed CEO by former Mayor Rahm Emanuel in 2017.
“I am honored to join Chicago Public Schools and work with this incredible team and build upon the success to make CPS the best large school district in the country," said Martinez, in a statement. "Education is the best equalizer in society, and I will work every day to strengthen our public schools for generations to come. As an immigrant from Mexico whose roots began in Pilsen, I understand a focus on equity and commitment to engaging communities and elevating student and family voices are central to the task at hand. I want to thank the Mayor for this incredible opportunity and for believing in my vision to see all children reach their potential, regardless of their ethnic background or income level."
Martinez’s appointment to the CEO position is subject to approval by the Chicago Board of Education.