### Mayor Johnson Defends Decision Amid School Board Resignations, Highlights Importance of Preventing Budget Cuts

In response to recent criticisms following the resignation of his chosen Board of Education, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has emphasized the need to invest in the city’s children and ensure that budget cuts are averted. During an exclusive interview, Johnson shared his vision, explaining that the current process is aimed at improving the educational landscape for Chicago's public schools.

Over the weekend, backlash intensified as 41 of the city’s 50 alderpeople signed a letter expressing concerns that these resignations might lead to greater instability within the school district. They have requested a hearing before the introduction of new board members, which Mayor Johnson plans to announce on Monday.

The series of resignations was reportedly triggered by the board's refusal to approve the mayor's plan to borrow funds to address a looming budget deficit this year. Additionally, the board did not act on Johnson’s demand to remove Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez. The district is not only dealing with immediate financial challenges but also faces significant budgetary deficits in the coming years, coupled with ongoing contract negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union—a union where Johnson previously served as an organizer.

When asked about accusations of overreach in his actions, Johnson dismissed the claims, attributing the opposition to longstanding systemic issues and previous administrations’ failures. He suggested that his critics are the same individuals who have previously witnessed and contributed to the systemic injustices impacting Black communities within the city.

Johnson reiterated that his actions are not focused on any single individual or position but are rather part of a broader effort to enhance the school system to benefit thousands of families. He underlined that this initiative is driven by the community's longstanding desire for improved educational outcomes.

In addressing the potential of removing CEO Martinez, Johnson remained non-committal, emphasizing once again that his focus is on the overall vision for public education rather than individual personnel decisions.

Faced with the possibility that state lawmakers might not provide the necessary funds by next May to cover a projected $900 million deficit, Johnson was asked whether this could lead to a cycle of loans or force layoffs and drastic measures. He responded by pointing out the historical mismanagement by previous administrations, which have left the current administration with significant financial burdens.

Johnson concluded by stressing the need for collective action and partnership across Chicago and the broader state of Illinois to address the ongoing financial issues, reiterating his commitment to preventing detrimental cuts that would disproportionately affect Black and brown children within the public school system.

Sarah Karp is an education reporter for WBEZ.