Mayor Johnson Names New CPS Board Members Following Mass Resignations

On Monday, Mayor Brandon Johnson appointed six new members to Chicago’s school board, following the resignation of all seven previous board members. Johnson acted quickly to fill the vacancies, emphasizing his commitment to stabilizing the leadership of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) amid a period of significant change and budget challenges. At a South Side church, Johnson introduced the new members, stating that although they are still undergoing a formal vetting process, it is expected they will remain in place when the board expands to a hybrid model in January. The new model will include 11 mayoral appointees and 10 elected representatives, marking a shift toward a more balanced structure in CPS governance. “I’m confident these new candidates will work to lead CPS into the world-class school system that our children deserve,” Johnson said, highlighting his focus on improving educational outcomes for students. Johnson, a former Chicago Teachers Union organizer, has been vocal about his vision for CPS, particularly in addressing the district’s nearly $10 billion budget and ensuring that funding priorities are aligned with student needs. His leadership contrasts with that of CEO Pedro Martinez, with whom he has had differences over budget strategies. Despite some reports suggesting Johnson wanted...