CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the appointment of six new candidates to the Chicago School Board during a fiery press conference Monday in which the mayor was often combative with reporters and defiant in defending his decisions.
The candidates are Olga Bautista, Michilla Blaise, Mary Gardner, Rev. Mitchell L. Ikenna Johnson, Deborah Pope and Frank Niles Thomas.
The announcement came about 72 hours after the entire current seven-member School Board abruptly announced its resignation last week.
Despite a letter signed by 41 City Council members criticizing the mayor’s handling of CPS and asking him to hold a hearing before making new appointments, Johnson has remained steadfast, pointing out repeatedly Monday that he has the sole authority to make School Board appointments under state law.
Johnson announced those appointments at Sweet Holy Spirit Church on the city’s South Side during Monday’s heated press conference. However, the new appointments are essentially just place-holders until the city transitions to an elected representative board beginning in 2025.
The Mayor’s Office also says Johnson will submit additional candidates for appointment, per his duty, including individuals who will be appointed based on the outcome of the Nov. 5 election and winning candidates’ sub-districts.
“I am confident that these individuals and their experience in education, community, faith, business and elsewhere will continue our work to transform Chicago Public Schools into a world-class school district for students and families,” Johnson said in a news released issued Monday. “As a CPS parent, I want the same thing for other CPS parents that I want for my own children, which is every class, every activity and every resource that will help build bright futures and bold leaders.
“I know these individuals will fight for our children to receive the investments they deserve and will work with my administration and the district to put the needs of our students and families first.”
“The candidates for appointment that we are introducing (Monday) are deeply rooted in their communities, have experiences that will serve our students, and are highly motivated to invest in our schools to ensure continued progress and improvement,” Deputy Mayor for Education, Youth and Human Services Jen Johnson said in the release.
“We thank and welcome these individuals for their willingness to take the baton and support a successful Board transition and continuing a strong school year.”
Johnson has been trying to oust CPS CEO Pedro Martinez, who was named to the job in 2021 by Johnson’s predecessor, Lori Lightfoot. Johnson, a former Chicago Teachers Union organizer, has clashed with Martinez, including over how best to close gaps in the district’s nearly $10 billion budget.
Martinez has declined to resign, citing the need for stability in the district.