School boardsDistrict managementChicago Public Schools

Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez out of Clark County superintendent search

By 
Becky Vevea
 | February 19, 2025, 5:54pm UTC
CPS CEO Pedro Martinez speaks at a hearing regarding Chicago Board of Education at City Hall on Oct. 16, 2024. (Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago)

Sign up for Chalkbeat Chicago’s free daily newsletter to keep up with the latest news on Chicago Public Schools.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez is out of the running to become the next superintendent of Clark County Public Schools in Nevada.

Martinez was one of six candidates to make the shortlist, but the Clark County Board of School Trustees voted Tuesday night to advance only four to the next round of interviews scheduled for next week. That school board is hoping to hire a new superintendent in March.

Chicago’s appointed school board voted to fire Martinez without cause in December after growing hostility with Mayor Brandon Johnson. His contract allows him to stay on as CEO until June and he is currently suing the Chicago Board of Education over his ouster.

The new 21-member partially-elected school board will be in charge of appointing a new CPS CEO — after 30 years of the mayor doing so. Although Chicago is shifting away from mayoral control, Johnson could hold significant sway over who the school board selects to lead the nation’s fourth largest school district. He recently made his 11th appointment to the 21-member board and is aligned ideologically with at least three elected members.

Becky Vevea is the bureau chief for Chalkbeat Chicago. Contact Becky at bvevea@chalkbeat.org.

The Latest
Here’s why child care advocates are praising NYC’s new budget deal

The $10 million child care pilot program is expected to create hundreds of new seats in high-need communities. The spending blueprint would also boost funding for preschoolers with disabilities.

By 
Alex Zimmerman
 | June 27
Educators rethink inclusive lessons as Supreme Court lays groundwork for nationwide religious opt-outs

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of religious parents seeking the right to opt their children out of LGBTQ+ material. The decision will change how teachers approach inclusivity in their classrooms.

By 
Norah Rami
 | June 27
Ante el aumento de operativos por parte de ICE, las escuelas de Los Ángeles reforzaron su apoyo

Tras las redadas migratorias de alto perfil, el Distrito Unificado de Los Ángeles aumentó las sedes para las escuelas de verano y ofreció transporte adicional para responder al temor de las familias de ser detenidas durante el trayecto.

By 
Kalyn Belsha
 | June 27
IPS board approves policy for staff on acceptable uses of AI

District sees an opportunity for educators to write quiz questions, develop schedules, and write newsletters more efficiently.

 | June 27
Philadelphia is expanding its extended-day, extended-year school initiative

While it’s not quite the ‘year-round school’ Mayor Cherelle Parker campaigned on, the initiative will offer before- and after-school programs and camp activities at 15 new schools.

By 
Carly Sitrin
 | June 27
Beyond High School: Pell Grant uncertainty

Beyond High School: Pell Grant uncertainty

By 
Jason Gonzales
 | June 27