Background and Qualifications

Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez is one of 42 candidates who applied for the job of Massachusetts State Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, and is one of three finalists who will interview with the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education on Thursday.

Experience and Qualifications

Martinez has a diverse background in public education, having worked as the superintendent of San Antonio Independent School District and the superintendent of Washoe County School District in Reno, Nevada. He also served as the education policy advisor for the Nevada Department of Education.

• Superintendent of San Antonio Independent School District
• Superintendent of Washoe County School District in Reno, Nevada
• Education policy advisor for the Nevada Department of Education

Current Role and Challenges

Martinez is currently the CEO of Chicago Public Schools, a district with a population of over 324,000 students and a budget of over $7 billion. He has been facing significant challenges, including a major dispute with the Mayor and City Hall over funding for new labor contracts and other costs.

Challenges Facing Massachusetts

Massachusetts also faces significant challenges, including a budget deficit and a need to address issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The state has pushed back against federal education funding cuts and has signed on to a lawsuit against halting COVID relief funding for schools.

The Interview Process

The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will hold a public meeting on Thursday, during which the three finalists will interview. The board will then make a recommendation to the state’s secretary of education, who will approve or reject that recommendation.

Timeline

The Massachusetts board is expected to make a choice by April 22, according to the meeting’s agenda.

Implications for Chicago

Martinez’s departure from Chicago will leave the district without a leader. The board has hired a search firm and recently passed a resolution requiring the next head of CPS to have a superintendent’s license. Illinois law currently exempts the CPS CEO from that requirement.

Background on Martinez’s Firing

Martinez was fired from his position as superintendent of Washoe County School District in Reno, Nevada in 2014. He was also fired from his position as CEO of Chicago Public Schools in December, after months of disagreement with City Hall and Mayor Brandon Johnson over funding for new labor contracts and other costs.

• Former Commissioner Jeff Riley stepped down about a year ago for personal reasons.
• Martinez was also fired from his position as superintendent of Washoe County School District in Reno, Nevada in 2014.

Background on Martinez’s Background

Before Chicago, Martinez was the superintendent of San Antonio Independent School District. Earlier in his career, he worked for the Nevada Department of Education as an education policy advisor.

“I did not misrepresent myself, and I later filed a wrongful termination lawsuit, which was settled for $500,000,” Martinez said in a statement.

Key Points to Consider

• Martinez is a finalist for the Massachusetts State Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education position. • The Massachusetts board will hold a public meeting on Thursday to interview the finalists. • Martinez’s departure from Chicago will leave the district without a leader.

Definitions

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: A school district leader responsible for overseeing the district’s operations and making key decisions. •

: An expert who provides guidance and recommendations on education policy issues. •

: Students from families with incomes below a certain threshold, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education. •

: Efforts to promote fairness and equality in education, particularly in terms of racial and socioeconomic diversity.