Chicago Schools CEO Pedro Martinez Nominated for Massachusetts Education Chief

CHICAGO, Illinois — Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez is closer to becoming the Massachusetts commissioner of elementary and secondary education. The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted on Tuesday to recommend Martinez for the position after a public meeting.

Nine of the board’s 11 members voted in favor, while two abstained. The recommendation will now go to Massachusetts Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler for final approval. Tutwiler, serving as the interim commissioner, expressed his support for Martinez during the meeting.

Martinez has been the CEO of Chicago Public Schools and was among 42 applicants for the Massachusetts position, which oversees about 400 school districts in the state. If appointed, he would become the first Latino commissioner in Massachusetts history.

Vice Chair of the board, Matt Hills, praised Martinez’s extensive experience, noting, “He has been able to lead large organizations to get significantly positive results in key education priorities.” Other board members highlighted his commitment to supporting low-income students and English learners.

Martinez’s leadership in Chicago included raising teacher salaries and implementing programs aimed at improving student outcomes. He acknowledged the challenges he faced and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be considered for the new role. “Chicago and CPS will always hold a special place in my heart,” he said.

His tenure at CPS ended following a dispute with Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson, which involved a controversial loan proposal that Martinez opposed. He is expected to leave the CPS role in mid-June, after his contract allows him to remain until then.

Martinez’s nomination will be finalized once Secretary Tutwiler approves the board’s decision. The Massachusetts board hopes to have a new commissioner in place by July 1.