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Chicago Public Schools Faces Leadership Crisis as Chief Education Officer Resigns

Bogdana Chkoumbova steps down, citing delays in CEO search, leaving CPS leadership in flux amid financial strain and union pressures.

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At Chicago Public Schools headquarters, CEO Pedro Martinez, left, and CPS Chief Talent Officer Ben Felton, right, listen as CPS Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova discusses the details of a tentative contract agreement with the Chicago Teachers Union on April 1, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
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Overview

  • Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova has announced her resignation after 24 years with CPS, citing the stalled search for a new CEO as a key factor.
  • Outgoing CEO Pedro Martinez, fired in December, will remain in his role until June 18, leaving CPS without permanent top leadership as his departure nears.
  • Mayor Brandon Johnson is reportedly planning to appoint Deputy Mayor Cristina Pacione-Zayas as interim CEO, though this has not been officially confirmed.
  • CPS is grappling with a $500 million budget deficit, reliance on expiring federal COVID relief funds, and a $1.5 billion teachers' contract funded only for its first year.
  • The district faces additional challenges, including under-enrolled schools, aging infrastructure, and a divided school board split between CTU-aligned and independent members.