Martinez Declines Buyout, Vows to Serve CPS Students
The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Board of Education recently offered CEO Pedro Martinez a contract buyout, but the embattled leader declined the proposal, opting instead to honor his commitment to the district. Speaking through his attorney, Bill Quinlan, Martinez reaffirmed his dedication to serving the 325,000 students and families under his leadership. “Pedro Martinez intends to honor his contract with the Chicago Public Schools,” Quinlan stated, emphasizing the CEO’s resolve to fulfill the terms of his agreement.
The buyout offer comes amidst growing tension between Martinez and the school board, some of whose members are reportedly seeking his removal. During a monthly board meeting on Wednesday, Martinez sat alongside those same board members, signaling his intent to stand firm despite the mounting pressure. According to his contract, the board can only terminate Martinez for cause; otherwise, it risks facing a costly legal battle.
Six months ago, Mayor Brandon Johnson requested Martinez’s resignation after the CEO refused to take out a $300 million short-term high-interest loan to fund a new teachers’ contract and pension payments. Martinez’s refusal to comply with the mayor’s demands sparked a wave of criticism, including allegations from the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) that he was delaying negotiations crucial to securing better conditions for educators and students.
Chicago Public Schools Union Pushes for Resolution, Accuses Martinez of Stalling
CTU financial secretary Maria Moreno voiced her frustration during the public comment period of Wednesday’s meeting, accusing Martinez of hindering progress on a new labor contract. “The CEO is supposed to be bargaining on behalf of the board, and he is doing the opposite,” Moreno said. CTU has scaled back its initial demand of a 9% raise, now proposing 6% for the first two years and 5% for the subsequent two years, but negotiations remain stalled. CPS, meanwhile, has countered with a 4% raise for the first year and 5% for the remainder of the contract.
Moreno stressed the urgency of resolving the labor dispute before the federal administration transitions under President-elect Donald Trump, which potentially complicates negotiations further. She also criticized CPS for its inability to effectively engage with union representatives. “CPS still doesn’t know how to negotiate with its workers. We want to settle via negotiation, and we have provided a pathway to settlement,” Moreno added.
Martinez, however, expressed cautious optimism regarding the ongoing talks, highlighting recent progress in proposals and counter-proposals. “There is more urgency now, and we are in the process of analyzing the options on the table,” he stated.
Leadership Changes Loom Amid Board Discontent
Amid the ongoing turmoil, the CPS board has yet to take action on Martinez’s contract, which expires in 2026. Earlier this week, nearly 700 CPS principals penned a letter urging the board to retain the current senior leadership team. The letter reflects broader concerns within the district about maintaining stability amidst financial and political challenges.
Responding to criticism of his financial strategies in October, Martinez defended his approach, dismissing claims that he lacked a funding plan for CPS. While the previous school board refrained from terminating him, its refusal to secure the controversial high-interest loan contributed to mass resignations within its ranks.
Reflecting on the escalating situation, Martinez expressed surprise at the conflict’s intensity. “I did not expect for this to escalate the way it did,” he admitted. Despite the mounting pressures, he remains resolute in his commitment to CPS, asserting that the terms of his contract remain transparent and binding.
