Overview

• The Chicago Board of Education approved King’s interim leadership in an 11-8 vote with one abstention, replacing Pedro Martinez as the search for a permanent CEO continues.
• Chicago Public Schools projects a $529 million shortfall for fiscal year 2026 beginning July 1.
• King was the only internal finalist among three candidates and previously served as CPS’s senior director of educational policy.
• Documents obtained through FOIA allege negligence during King’s tenure as principal at an Uptown school.
• District officials warn that without the stalled $300 million loan or new state funding they must cut hundreds of millions of dollars in programs and positions.