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3mo ago

Pedro Martinez Exits Chicago Public Schools to Lead Massachusetts Education

The outgoing CEO achieved record student outcomes during a time of deep budget deficit.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez speaks at the eighth grade graduation ceremony for John A. Walsh Elementary School at Benito Juarez Community Academy on June 10, 2025. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
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A man speaks from a microphone on a wooden desk.
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Overview

  • Martinez’s contract ends June 18 as he prepares to become Massachusetts commissioner of elementary and secondary education in July.
  • Under his tenure, CPS saw a 298% increase in students earning associate degrees since 2023 and a 15% growth in teacher staffing since 2019.
  • He declined a $300 million high-interest loan to fund teacher contracts and pensions, citing fiscal responsibility and triggering clashes with Mayor Johnson and the CTU.
  • Chicago Public Schools faces a $529 million budget gap for the fiscal year beginning July 1, leading Martinez to call for expanded use of tax increment financing.
  • Martinez has filed defamation suits against CTU President Stacy Davis-Gates and Chicago Board President Sean Harden over remarks made during the contract dispute.