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
UnitedHealthcare CEO murder: Words on ammo in shooting echo common phrase on insurer tactics: Delay, deny, defend

CEO of UnitedHealthcare killed with bullets inscribed with phrase reflecting company’s strategy: Delay, Deny, Defend

A message discovered at the scene where a health insurance executive was…
Outrage as New York park hosts vile lookalike event after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's murder

Anger rises at New York park for hosting unsavory imitation event following the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson

A vile lookalike competition has taken place in New York with attendees…
Facing Injustice: Daniel Penny Remains 'Optimistic' Even As He Stares Down Possible 4-Year Sentence

Daniel Penny Stays Positive Despite Potential 4-Year Sentence and Injustice

If you’ve missed the news, Penny, a 26-year-old former Marine and aspiring…
‘Dune: Prophecy’ Episode 4 Ending Explained: Who is a Shapeshifter? All About Face Dancers and the Bene Tleilax

Explaining the Conclusion of ‘Dune: Prophecy’ Episode 4: Identifying the Shapeshifter. Insights on Face Dancers and the Bene Tleilax.

Dune: Prophecy Episode 4 “Twice Born” concludes with a surprising twist that…
Wizard of Oz heist: Stolen ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in 'The Wizard of Oz' are auctioned for $28 million

The Wizard of Oz Robbery: Ruby Slippers Worn by Judy Garland Auctioned for $28 Million

MINNEAPOLIS — In a thrilling turn of events, a pair of the…
Can Trump end birthright citizenship? The 14th amendment upheld in the US constitution since 1868

Will Trump be able to abolish birthright citizenship? The 14th amendment has been safeguarded in the US constitution since 1868.

Donald Trump wants to get rid of 14th Amendment birthright protections as…
Democratic strategist reveals exactly why Kamala lost as he gives dark warning about the party's future

Expert explains why Kamala Harris lost the election and warns about the future of the Democratic Party

A Democratic strategist key to President Obama’s win over John McCain has…
From Lady Gaga's 24 hour assistant to Shirley MacLaine's personal cocktail maker and Snoop Dogg's full time blunt roller, a look at the ridiculous jobs A-listers have hired people for

Exploring the strange job roles celebrities have hired people for, like Lady Gaga’s assistant for 24 hours, Shirley MacLaine’s personal cocktail maker, and Snoop Dogg’s full-time blunt roller.

Many celebrities have hired people to fulfill their demands, be at their…
How To Watch ‘Yellowstone’ Season 5, Episode 13 Online and on TV

Where to Stream or Watch ‘Yellowstone’ Season 5, Episode 13 Online and on TV

It was another important week in the ever-expanding Sheridan-verse. The prolific mind…
The 2024 Kennedy Center Honors: Queen Latifah, The Grateful Dead, more

2024 Kennedy Center Honors lineup includes Queen Latifah and The Grateful Dead

1 1 of 29 Bill Kreutzmann, Bob Weir, and Mickey Hart of…
National Christmas Tree Lighting Interrupted by Joe Biden Being a Complete Weirdo

Weekly Recap: Biden’s Surprise Gift to Trump, Unusual Behavior, and Critique of Chuck Todd

Welcome to the RedState Weekly Briefing — where we recap the most…
Light the Line foundation hosts holiday fundraiser to support Chicago Police Department in honor of fallen CPD Officer Ella French

“Fundraiser for Chicago Police Department in Honor of Officer Ella French Hosted by Light the Line Foundation”

A special evening took place on Saturday at Cine City Studios on…