More privately-run, public charter schools in Chicago have closed in recent years. In a first, Chicago Public Schools is poised to convert five back to district-run campuses.

Martinez was one of three finalists for the job as commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The board’s choice must now be confirmed by the state’s secretary of education.

This is at least the second public education job Martinez has sought and become a finalist for since his firing in December.

The union said Monday that 85% of members voted on the deal over the course of last Thursday and Friday. Of the ballots cast, 97% ratified the agreement.

The Chicago Board of Education has not yet launched a state-mandated committee focused on Black students. Advocates are pushing board members to create it.

The tentative four-year contract would raise teacher pay, add prep time for elementary school teachers, and increase recess time for students.

The declaration from seven school board members means the city does not have enough support from the Board of Education to get the $175 million it is seeking from Chicago Public Schools.

The U.S. Department of Education is opening a Title IX investigation after a complaint was filed by two conservative groups against Chicago, suburban Deerfield, and the Illinois State Board of Education

The mayor and the school board president characterized the meeting as productive. Chicago Teachers Union leadership and CEO Pedro Martinez emerged frustrated.

A five-page memo from Baker Tilly outlines the risk of cuts and possibilities of refinancing debt as the new partially-elected Chicago school board faces its first significant vote on its budget, labor contracts, and relationship with City Hall.