Chicago Public Schools CEO gets $10,200 raise as test scores plummet

Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez received a $10,200 raise for 2022 after his first year leading the nation’s fourth-largest school district. The updated contract allows him to secure future annual raises without education board approval.

The Chicago Board of Education approved contract changes Dec. 7 for Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez, awarding the former superintendent a $10,200 raise that takes his salary to $350,400. He also gained the ability to secure future annual raises without board authorization.

In a statement, CPS said the contract changes would allow board President Miguel del Valle to approve annual salary bumps up to 3% for Martinez after consulting individual board members. Martinez will need a “successful annual evaluation” and to submit “performance goals” by June 1 each year to qualify.

Chicago students have fared poorly since the pandemic, and Martinez’ tenure has not reversed the trend. Nearly 80% of Chicago Public Schools students cannot read at grade level. Just 15% met proficiency in math.

While the full contract has not been released, CPS leaders said the updates also expand terminable offenses and retention requirements for the CEO.

The new language states Martinez can be terminated for any conduct “inconsistent with the CEO’s duties and obligations to CPS or the Board, or that may be reasonably perceived to have a material adverse impact on the good name and integrity of CPS or the Board in the sole judgment of the Board.”

Moreover, the contract specifies not-for-cause termination of Martinez will require 180-days notice, during which he must assist in the transition process for new leadership

Martinez signed a five-year contract with CPS schools in late October 2021 with a starting salary of $340,000 – $40,000 more than former CPS CEO Janice Jackson earned before exiting the position. Martinez’s next raise is expected to increase his salary by $10,506.