**Entire Chicago Board of Education Resigns Amid Mayor's Controversial Push**

In an unprecedented shake-up, the entire Chicago Board of Education has tendered their resignations following mounting pressure from Mayor Brandon Johnson to dismiss Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez and approve a controversial high-interest, short-term loan. This loan was intended to address budget shortfalls and facilitate a new contract with the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU).

Sources at Fox32 Chicago disclosed that tensions escalated among the board members, who were reportedly disconcerted by the mayor’s insistence on these contentious measures. The board's abrupt departure has stirred significant reactions from city officials and stakeholders, questioning the mayor's handling of the situation.

Alderman Andre Vasquez of the 40th Ward criticized Mayor Johnson's actions via a post on X, calling the maneuver to lower the city's deficit "disappointing and irresponsible." Vasquez underscored that pressuring the board into such pivotal financial decisions starkly contrasts with progressive, transparent, or accountable governance. He expressed alarm over the collective resignation of all seven board members, emphasizing that this reaction is both historic and concerning.

While speaking to WBBM Newsradio earlier this week, Mayor Johnson distanced himself from the controversy, stating, "I didn't ask anybody to do anything," and called for leadership committed to investing in the city's children. However, a subsequent statement from his office revealed a coordinated transition plan. According to this plan, the current board members will step down later this month to prepare for a new 21-member hybrid elected and appointed board set to take office in January.

The CTU issued a statement blaming the CEO for the district’s ongoing instability, expressing optimism that Mayor Johnson's leadership will steer the school system toward a more supportive and stable educational environment. They accused Martinez of resisting necessary changes and improvements proposed by the mayor.

Martinez himself has been vocal about his stance against the proposed financial measures. In a recent column in the Chicago Tribune, he warned that exorbitant, short-term borrowing could harm the district’s bond ratings and lead to higher future borrowing costs.

Critics, like 9th Ward Alderman Anthony Beale, voiced concerns over the upcoming appointments to replace the outgoing board members, suggesting the mayor might appoint allies sympathetic to the CTU’s agenda, potentially leading to concessions that align closely with the union's demands.

Mayor Johnson is expected to announce seven new appointees to the board on Monday, marking the next step in this dramatic evolution of Chicago's public education leadership.