Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Urges the Appointment of a Qualified Latino Leader as Interim CEO of Chicago Public Schools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 4, 2025

Dear Mayor Johnson,

As members of the Chicago Latino Caucus, we write to respectfully urge your administration to partner with us in developing a clear, collaborative process to identify and elevate qualified Latino candidates for leadership roles within City government and its sister agencies.

As the City presents a candidate for confirmation by the Board of Education, we urge that this moment be used to reaffirm our shared commitment to equity, cultural competence, and inclusive leadership—beginning with the appointment of a qualified Latino educator to serve as interim CEO.

Nearly 47% of CPS students are Latino, yet our communities remain underrepresented in key leadership roles across City government and its sister agencies. Latinos make up 29% of Chicago’s population, but only 23% of the Mayor’s Office staff, 26% of City department heads, and 17% of first and managing deputies. These disparities underscore the urgency of cultivating a talent pipeline that reflects the diversity of our city.

We urge your administration to partner with the Latino Caucus in developing a clear, collaborative process to identify and elevate qualified Latino leaders—not just for CPS, but across all agencies.

We believe this transition offers a pivotal opportunity to move toward leadership that is more reflective, inclusive, and responsive. The Latino Caucus stands ready to assist in identifying exceptional candidates with the vision, experience, and cultural fluency to lead CPS and our City forward.

Sincerely,

Alderperson Andre Vasquez - 40th Ward
Chair of the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus

CC:
Ald. Daniel LaSpata - 1st Ward
Ald. Peter Chico - 10th Ward
Ald. Julia Ramirez - 12th Ward
Ald. Jeylu Gutierrez - 14th Ward
Ald. Michael Rodriguez - 22nd Ward
Ald. Silvana Tabares - 23rd Ward
Ald. Byron Sigcho Lopez - 25th Ward
Ald. Jessie Fuentes - 26th Ward
Ald. Ruth Cruz - 30th Ward
Ald. Felix Cardona - 31st Ward
Ald. Rossana Rodriguez
Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa - 35th Ward
Ald. Gilbert Villegas - 36th Ward
City Clerk Anna Valencia

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