(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Some people, like former CPS boss Paul Vallas, believe Mayor Brandon Johnson pushed for his firing to align with the Chicago Teachers Union's priorities.
Pedro Martinez's firing last week was a decision months in the making after his refusal to take out a controversial $300 million loan for a new Chicago Teachers Union contract.
Former CEO of CPS, as well as a former mayoral candidate Paul Vallas said the schools are consuming an ever larger share of the public tax dollar.
"People need to realize that the Chicago Teachers Union poses a clear and present danger to the city's economic vitality."
The Chicago Teachers Union backed the move to fire Vallas, and in a statement accused Martinez of failing to address critical issues like staffing and resources.
Vallas says students' scores are low and too much of the money given to CPS doesn't actually make it to the students
“Until we realize that this union presents a clear and present danger to the future of our children, and we're going to continue to drift from crisis to crisis.”
Last week, Martinez's lawyers filed a lawsuit in the Cook County Circuit, seeking an injunction to prevent the board from dismissing him. The Board of Ed and each individual member were named in the suit.
Following the meeting where the Board of Ed voted 6-0 to dismiss him, Martinez said he accepts the board's decision but will make sure that his contract is honored.
His contract stipulates that there must be six weeks of notice if he is fired without cause and he is to be paid for 20 weeks following the transition period.
On Friday last week, Martinez said he would continue to serve as CEO for the remainder of the school year.
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Bluesky