CEO Pedro Martinez declines Chicago Public Schools Board of Education contract buyout offer, sources say

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago Public Schools Board of Education offered CEO Pedro Martinez a contract buyout.

However, sources tell ABC7 Chicago that Martinez declined the offer.

READ ALSO | Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez speaks out after school board shakeup

“Pedro Martinez plans to fulfill his agreement with the Chicago Public Schools and ensure that the 325,305 students and families receive the advantages they negotiated with him,” stated Martinez’s legal representative, Bill Quinlan.

As they gathered for a monthly agenda review board meeting, Martinez took his seat next to school board members who are trying to push him out Wednesday.

According to Martinez’s contract, the school board must find cause to fire Martinez.

If not, it could lead to an expensive lawsuit.

Six months ago, Mayor Brandon Johnson asked Martinez to resign, after the CEO refused to take out a $300 million short-term high-interest loan to pay for a new teachers contract and pension payments.

“We asked you, the board, to play a more active role in our negotiations because the CEO is supposed to be bargaining on the behalf of the board, and he is doing the opposite,” Chicago Teachers Union financial secretary Maria Moreno said.

Speaking during the meeting’s public comment period Wednesday, Moreno blamed Martinez for dragging his feet to get a deal done. CTU is anxious to resolve the labor dispute before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. The union originally sent CPS over 700 contract demands, including a 9% raise.

“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 said.

Part of the pathway is backing off on the 9%. CTU is now offering 6% for years one and two and 5% for the last two years. CPS has proposed 4% for year one and 5% for the remainder of the contract.

The board is not expecting to take any action Wednesday regarding Martinez’s contract.

This week, nearly 700 CPS principals sent a letter to school board members, urging them not to replace the district’s current senior staff.

In October, Martinez spoke to ABC7, responding to criticism that he has no CPS funding plan, and is relying on proposed cuts.

He was also asked if he thought the mayor’s picks for a new school board could end up firing him.

“I don’t know. I really don’t. I’m being sincere,” Martinez said. “I will say what’s great right now is that, you know, it’s very transparent what my contract says.”

The previous school board was not willing to fire Martinez or secure the short-term, high-interest loan to help pay for a new teachers contract, which led to a mass resignation in October.

“I did not expect for this to escalate to the way it did,” Martinez said.

Copyright © 2024 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson senior aide Jason Lee under scrutiny for voting in Texas

Investigation into Jason Lee, a top aide to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, for casting a vote in Texas

CHICAGO (WLS) — Another top aide for Mayor Brandon Johnson is under…
DOGE scores support from another top Democrat praising Elon Musk's 'brilliant' move with Obama

Another senior Democrat supports DOGE, lauds Elon Musk’s ‘brilliant’ decision with Obama

Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna is determined to collaborate with Elon Musk and…
Gang member Giovanni A. Saldivar, 19, charged with shooting Cicero police officer at 35th Street and 61st Court: officials

19-year-old Gang Member Accused of Shooting Cicero Police Officer According to Officials

CICERO, Ill. (WLS) — A Cicero spokesperson announced that a 19-year-old individual…
Arlington Heights, Illinois Village Board to vote on property tax deal with Chicago Bears

Town Council in Arlington Heights, Illinois to decide on tax agreement with Chicago Bears

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Arlington Heights Village Board is set to vote…
‘Yellowstone’ Season 5 Episode 14 Preview Teases John Dutton’s Funeral And A Fiery Finale

Preview of Season 5 Episode 14 of ‘Yellowstone’ hints at John Dutton’s funeral and an intense ending

As Yellowstone Season 5 draws to a close, fans of Taylor Sheridan’s…
When Does ‘WWE Monday Night Raw’ Start on Netflix?

What time does ‘WWE Monday Night Raw’ begin streaming on Netflix?

Get ready for an exciting episode of Monday Night Raw tonight. The…
Singer MIA says Jay-Z made outrageous demand after signing her as fallout from rape accusation continues

MIA reveals that Jay-Z made a startling request upon signing her as fallout from rape accusation lingers

MIA asserted that Jay-Z once advised her to undergo plastic surgery after…
'Polarization' is Merriam-Webster's 2024 word of the year; editor at large Peter Sokolowski talks US election, Rachael Gunn

Merriam-Webster’s 2024 word of the year is ‘Polarization’; Peter Sokolowski, the senior editor, discusses its impact on the US election and Rachael Gunn.

The aftermath of the 2024 U.S. presidential election shook the nation and…
GOP & Con Inc. Prevent Efforts to End Child Genital Mutilation

Republican Party and Conservative Groups Block Attempts to Stop Child Genital Cutting

Last Updated on December 9, 2024 Over the past five years, Texas…
Alyssa Farah Griffin Promises To “Wear A MAGA Hat” On ‘The View’ If Trump Can Get Israeli Hostages Freed

Alyssa Farah Griffin vows to wear a MAGA hat on ‘The View’ if Trump can secure release of Israeli hostages

Alyssa Farah Griffin made a promise her co-hosts would probably prefer she…
Brandi Glanville reveals doctor's shock theory about the REAL reason her face is now unrecognizable

Brandi Glanville shares doctor’s surprising idea on why her face looks different now

Brandi Glanville says doctors suspect her facial condition may be caused by a parasite…
New Jersey Governor Seeks Federal Help for Mystery Drones

“New Jersey Governor Calls for Federal Assistance Regarding Mystery Drones”

All those large, enigmatic drones are still hovering in the skies above…