Chicago Board of Education resigns amid CPS challenges, six new members named

In a surprising turn of events, the entire Chicago Board of Education resigned, opening the doorway for Mayor Brandon Johnson to appoint new members. The mass resignation comes amid months of tension and disagreements over budget issues and school management.

Six successors were named on Monday, October 7 at a "lengthy and combative news conference" at a South Side church, according to the Chicago Tribune. The nominees include the following: Southeast Side Environmental Activist Olga Bautista; Chief of Staff for the Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar; West Side Activist Mary Gardner; Reverand Mitchell Johnson; a Chicago Teachers Union Staffer Debby Pope; and former longtime Streets and Sanitation Superintendent for the 21st Ward Frank Thomas. Mayor Johnson did not address whether a seventh person will be named.

As reported by the Chicago Sun-Times, the resignations that were announced on Friday come during a period of financial strain for the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), with Johnson pushing for more state funding rather than cutting school budgets.

Mayor Johnson emphasized the need for investment in education, saying, "It is about investing in our children and not accepting cuts for too long in this district." The board and CPS are tasked with significant financial management challenges, especially with the ongoing budget shortfall.

The resignation paves the way for a new board structure, with Johnson's office seeking members who can transition into a future 21-member, partially elected board. Their challenge lies in appointing members who represent areas not yet covered by an elected official, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

The goal of the transition plan, as stated by Johnson and the board, is to give new members time to learn and gain experience before 2025, when the board will further expand. Despite these transitions, concerns persist regarding the budget and impending contract agreements, with a forecasted $120 million annual cost for a new teachers' contract.

The departing board members have been thanked for their volunteer efforts and contributions to the school system, and CPS reassures families and staff that its focus remains on education.

The ramifications of these resignations will likely reverberate as the city approaches its budget season, and stakeholders, including City Council members, have voiced varied opinions on Mayor Johnson's handling of the situation.