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
Where is Austin Tice? Missing Houston native may still be alive 12 years after being captured by Syrian forces, family says

The whereabouts of Austin Tice remain unknown. Family believes Houston native, who was taken by Syrian forces 12 years ago, could still be alive.

HOUSTON, Texas — The family of Austin Tice, a Marine veteran and…
Breckie Hill addresses Barry Keoghan cheating rumors after actor quits Instagram amid Sabrina Carpenter split

Breckie Hill speaks out about Barry Keoghan cheating rumors following actor’s departure from Instagram amid Sabrina Carpenter breakup

OnlyFans star Breckie Hill has addressed the rumors surrounding her alleged involvement…
Fears grow over invasion of Apex beast that devours prey six times its size: 'Tip of the iceberg'

Concerns rise about predatory Apex creature that consumes victims much larger than itself: Just the beginning

The invasion of the Florida Everglades by an alien predator with no known…
Jamie Foxx advocates on Capitol Hill for increased funding for Down syndrome research in honor of his late sister DeOndra Dixon

Jamie Foxx pushes for more funding for Down syndrome research on Capitol Hill to honor his sister DeOndra Dixon

WASHINGTON — Jamie Foxx went to Capitol Hill on Wednesday to advocate…
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…
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…
NYPD releases two NEW pictures of healthcare boss's assassin during his getaway in the back of a cab

“NYPD Shares Fresh Images of Suspect Fleeing in Taxi After Assassinating Healthcare Executive”

New photos of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s alleged killer have been released by…
Scientists reveal the exact date of Jesus' birth - and say it WASN'T on December 25 AD 1

Uncovering the Real Date of Jesus’ Birth: Not December 25 AD 1, Scientists Say

For millions of Christians around the world, the celebration of Christmas has a…
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…
Tom Selleck Says He Wants To Work With ‘Yellowstone’ Creator On Next Project After ‘Blue Bloods’

Tom Selleck expresses interest in collaborating with ‘Yellowstone’ creator on upcoming project following ‘Blue Bloods’.

Tom Selleck has no intention of slowing down anytime soon. At 79…
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…
The signs you had are a narcissistic parent - from someone who has been diagnosed as one

Recognizing the Characteristics of a Narcissistic Parent – Insights from a Self-Identified Individual

A diagnosed narcissistic has shared the signs you grew up with a…