A Farewell to Pedro Martinez and Welcome to Dr. Macquline King

CEO Pedro Martinez led Chicago Public Schools (CPS) by listening to and empowering school leaders. The results of this strategy are clear: improved elementary reading achievement, expanded career and technical education programs, and strengthened school safety. 

When Pedro began his tenure as CEO in 2021, following the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, school leader satisfaction was low, with only 54% of principals satisfied with their positions. School leaders believed their roles needed to become more sustainable. In response, CEO Martinez deepened the school district’s investment in its Department of Principal Quality, expanded its Office of Network Support, and established more robust, collaborative programming to grow teacher-principal trust, instructional leadership, and program coherence. 

As a result, principal satisfaction grew roughly 10 percentage points, the number of school leaders rated as strong or very strong by the University of Chicago 5Essentials system increased by almost 25%, and principal retention rebounded from 86% to 89%. 

CEO Martinez understood that students at schools with strong leaders learn more.

We at The Chicago Public Education Fund are deeply grateful to CEO Martinez for his service, student-centered leadership, and commitment to developing strong leaders across the city. As a CPS graduate and proud Chicagoan, his tenure leaves a meaningful legacy for students and communities citywide. His meaningful investment in the next generation of changemakers will continue shaping Chicago’s future for years to come.

We look forward to working with interim Superintendent/CEO Dr. Macquline King and her team as they finalize the district’s 2026 budget and prepare to open schools in August.

As the Chicago Board of Education and other decision-makers prepare for CPS’ next chapter, we encourage them to recognize the essential role school leaders play in the district’s success. Collaborating with and listening to principals directly impacts schools and the students they serve. As we have for more than two decades, we will continue to celebrate and encourage district leadership as they deepen Chicago’s commitment to strong leaders in every school.