Mayor Johnson on appointing new CPS board: Election ‘gave me the power to change this city’

CHICAGO (CBS) — Mayor Brandon Johnson didn’t answer questions at an event at City Hall on Tuesday, but still took to task those who questioned his decision to appoint an entirely new school board ahead of an election.

The event in question was a birthday party for Rev. Jesse Jackson. Mayor Johnson gave Rev. Jackson a key to the city and reminded a packed room full of supporters and news media that he has the power to appoint members of the Chicago Board of Education at will.

“Apparently there are some people who are confused about the power I have,” Mayor Johnson said. “There are some people who have kind of forgotten that there was an entire election that gave me the power to change this city.”

The event came afterwards an at times controversial press conference on Monday, where Johnson subsequently announced six appointments to his new school board Mass resignations from the board last week.

Sources said the new board is likely to step down Pedro Martinez, executive director of Chicago Public Schools— who refuses to take out a $300 million loan to fund teacher pensions and pay raises. The mayor should support taking out the loan.

Illinois state Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) told CBS News Chicago on Tuesday that lawmakers in Springfield expect a lengthy conversation about the mayor’s actions.

“I have heard from dozens of constituents who have expressed concerns about what actually led to this mass resignation,” Williams said.

Williams did not say state lawmakers would consider bringing back the Chicago School Finance Authority — a group tasked with “promoting the financial integrity” of the Chicago Public Schools system. The Chicago School Finance Authority was dissolved in 2010, but a source said the Illinois General Assembly may reinstate it.

“Families don’t really believe this is an orderly transition,” said Hal Woods, the policy director of Kids First Chicago, a group that advocates for parents of CPS students.

Woods said parents feel left out of the decision-making process and what happens in the next few weeks will be crucial for CPS families — and for those watching from the state capitol.

“I think if we see decisions being made ahead of time before that point, Springfield could potentially take action,” Woods said.

The mayor’s office expects the new board to be in place by next month’s school board meeting. The mayor can appoint another member before January – then a mixed board of elected and appointed members must work together.