I have been active in Englewood’s CPS schools for decades, serving on local school councils and engaging in classrooms whenever possible. I currently care for three CPS students — two in high school and one in elementary. Over the years, I’ve seen CEOs come and go — some exceptional, others even jailed or ousted. But I’ve never witnessed a commendable CEO being fired for such transparent political reasons.
I first met CEO Pedro Martinez when advocating for our elementary school to gain access to music and art — programs my high schoolers lacked. He listened to our concerns and remained engaged with our community. Under his leadership, I have seen changes for the better. Now, for the first time, my elementary student has an art teacher. I don’t expect everything to improve overnight, but I’m happy with the progress we’re seeing. Most importantly, there is a plan in place that we can hold him and CPS accountable to.
Martinez has been accessible and respectful. I’ve had multiple conversations with him and found him to be a direct and active listener. He doesn’t sugarcoat challenges or shift blame. He openly discusses how Black students aren’t progressing at the same rate as their peers and emphasizes the need for parent and community involvement to provide a full education. I find him earnest and committed — an ideal leader for CPS.
CPS Board decisions should prioritize what’s best for students and families. While I respect the Chicago Teachers Union and their advocacy, it’s inappropriate for them and the mayor to pressure the board to fire Martinez. This move appears politically motivated and not in the best interest of our children.
I’m concerned about the close relationship between the mayor and the CTU and worry that the new school board may be too influenced. The recent claims by the CTU about Martinez planning to close schools don’t align with any conversations I’ve had with him and feel like a smear campaign to garner public support for an unjustified firing.
I urge the board to vote according to their consciences rather than succumbing to political pressure. This decision should center on students and families, rather than dismissing a good leader for no good reason.
Denise Dyer, co-chair, Englewood Community Action Council; chair, parent advisory council, Nicholson STEM Academy; member, parent advisory board, Kids First Chicago
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Out-of-bounds remark
Sun-Times columnist Rick Morrissey reported on the Bears’ loss to the Colts on Sept. 22. Morrissey felt that the Bears’ offensive coordinator was a main reason for the loss. I suspect some will agree that Morrissey was on target.
However, I have talked with others who believe Morrissey was totally off target when he commented on a play that involved D’Andre Swift. Morrissey wrote: “Caleb Williams rolled left on the play and pitched the ball to D’Andre Swift, who at that moment had about as much chance of getting into the end zone as he did of getting into Harvard.”
That comparison or analogy never should have been made! Those kinds of comments, whether intentional or not, fuel a stereotypical way of thinking that has long been an element behind some of the division in our country.
Perhaps Morrissey was not aware that Swift attended a highly rated and prestigious Catholic high school in Philadelphia (St. Joseph’s Prep). We don’t have specifics on Swift’s academic performance or overall standing of his eligibility or interest in a so-called elite university. We know Swift played at Georgia.
Morrissey’s comment is especially degrading to minority high schoolers, especially athletes, who have been told or feel they don’t have the overall talent to attend an elite institution. I know better because I am a minority parent and have witnessed five close family members attend prestigious schools.
Morrissey would have served his readers better by simply saying Swift had about as much chance of getting into the end zone as the White Sox have of playing in the 2024 World Series.
George Comer, Crown Point, Indiana