Key Highlights

• Board Recommendation: The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education recommended Martinez as the next commissioner [[1]].
• Voting Outcome: Nine of the 11 board members voted in favor of Martinez, with two abstaining [[1]], [[2]].
• Final Approval: Massachusetts Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler, who also serves as the department’s interim commissioner, is expected to give the final approval [[1]].
• historical Significance: Martinez is poised to become the first latino to hold the position of commissioner in Massachusetts, according to a press release from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education [[1]].

The board’s Decision

The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education convened a public meeting where they cast their votes, signaling a strong endorsement for Martinez. While two members abstained, noting their support for Lily Laux, the former deputy commissioner of school programs at the Texas Education Agency, the overwhelming majority favored martinez [[1]].

Matt Hills, the board’s vice chair, highlighted Martinez’s extensive experience in complex organizations and his ability to achieve positive results in key education priorities. This is someone who has had progressive experience in increasingly larger and more complex organizations with significantly increased, let’s say, political situations that they have to balance, Hills stated. But ultimately, this is someone who has been able to lead large organizations to get pretty significantly positive results in key education priorities that we have. [[1]]

Martinez’s Background and Vision

Martinez was among 42 applicants and one of three finalists for the Massachusetts position [[1]]. His selection reflects a focus on leadership experience and a commitment to students from low-income households and those learning English as a new language. Board members also acknowledged his success in raising teacher salaries in Chicago,even after tense negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union [[1]].

Despite his qualifications, Martinez’s tenure at CPS was not without challenges. He was fired without cause in December, reportedly due to disagreements with Mayor Brandon Johnson over labor contracts and pension contributions [[1]].

Martin West, a board member, expressed initial concerns about Martinez’s lack of state-level experience but concluded that district leadership is in some ways more similar to the state role in terms of the levers available for driving change. [[1]]

Ericka Fisher, another board member, believes Martinez is the type of leader who can stay standing and continue fighting the good fight [[1]], especially given the current education climate.

Looking Ahead

Martinez expressed his gratitude for the possibility, stating he is honored to be selected and that Chicago and CPS will always hold a special place in my heart. [[1]] He plans to finish the school year strong and depart CPS in mid-June, confident in the district’s future [[1]].

Following the finalization of the board’s recommendation by the education secretary, Martinez intends to accept the position after contract negotiations. The Massachusetts board chair aims to have a commissioner in place by July 1, according to jackie Reis, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education [[1]].

Before his tenure at CPS, Martinez served as the superintendent of the San Antonio Self-reliant School District and held various education roles in Nevada [[1]].

FAQ

Who is Pedro Martinez?

Pedro Martinez is the former CEO of Chicago Public Schools, now recommended to be the next commissioner of the Massachusetts department of Elementary and Secondary Education [[1]].

What is the next step in the appointment process?

The Massachusetts Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler must give final approval after the board’s recommendation [[1]].

When is Martinez expected to start?

The Massachusetts board chair hopes to have a commissioner in place by July 1 [[1]].