**New CPS School Board Appointed Amidst Sudden Resignations**

In reaction to the recent resignation of the entire Chicago Board of Education, Mayor Brandon Johnson has appointed six new members to the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) board. This decisive move comes after last week's unexpected departure of all seven previous board members, a development that raised alarms among both city and state officials.

The newly appointed members are Olga Bautista, an environmental activist from the Southeast Side; Michilla Blaise, a seasoned political consultant and chief of staff for Cook County commissioner Frank Aguilar; Mary Gardner, a prominent West Side activist; Reverend Mitchell Johnson, an expert in economic and community development; Debby Pope, a retired teacher and former staffer of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU); and Frank Niles Thomas, a labor and political organizer. Notably, Blaise had previously been a candidate for a position on the elected school board but withdrew her candidacy and may remain as an appointed member following the November 5 election.

The wholesale resignations came on Friday, reportedly due to growing tension between Mayor Johnson, the CTU, and CPS CEO Pedro Martinez over how to manage the financial challenges facing the school system. Johnson and the CTU, former employers of the mayor, had been advocating for Martinez's dismissal, but the decision ultimately resides with the school board. Sources indicate that some board members chose to resign out of frustration with the pressure and expectations from Johnson.

In response to this upheaval, Johnson acted swiftly, seeking to stabilize the situation which has shaken the political dynamics of the city. Nearly 80% of the City Council, including several mayoral allies and members of the Progressive Caucus, signed a letter over the weekend expressing grave concerns over the state of the school district. Although the council members called for a hearing to vet the new appointees, they legally hold no power over the mayor’s selections.

This reshuffling occurs just weeks before Chicagoans will vote for school board members for the first time, transitioning to a partially elected and partially appointed board in January. Meanwhile, the new appointees will likely need to address several pressing issues, including the potential termination of CEO Martinez, negotiating a new contract with the CTU, and securing a loan to fund part of the upcoming teachers' contract and pension payments.