Three finalists have been announced for the role of chief executive officer of Chicago Public Schools, according to a statement from the school board on Mar. 13. The candidates are interim CEO Macquline King, Sito Narcisse, former superintendent of East Baton Rouge Parish School System in Louisiana, and Meisha Porter, former chancellor of New York City schools.
The selection process is significant as it will determine who leads one of the largest public school systems in the country. The new leader will be chosen after interviews with Mayor Brandon Johnson and participation in a community engagement panel. Following these steps, the board will hold a special meeting to discuss and vote on the finalists.
The search for a new CEO began last spring after then-CEO Pedro Martinez was dismissed by a previous board appointed by Johnson amid disagreements over district finances. The process has faced challenges, including the withdrawal of Denver Superintendent Alex Marrero after his name was leaked to the press and the departure of Alma Consulting Group, which had been assisting with the search. Some board members have also accused Mayor Johnson of interfering in the process.
King’s inclusion among the finalists comes as a surprise since she was not advanced to an earlier pool last fall. She has served as interim CEO since June and previously worked as a principal and education policy advisor under former mayors Lori Lightfoot and Brandon Johnson. King has received support from some groups but others have called for her to remain only until an elected school board can select a permanent leader in January 2027.
Porter led New York City schools during part of the pandemic and oversaw initiatives such as eliminating gifted classes and introducing a universal curriculum before leaving office at the end of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s term. Afterward, she became president and CEO of Bronx Community Foundation but was fired by its board following concerns about how funds were distributed.
Narcisse led Louisiana’s second-largest school system until early 2024 when his contract was not renewed. He has held administrative roles in Washington, D.C., Nashville, and now works as a consultant for school districts.
The next steps include interviews with city officials and community representatives before a final decision is made by the school board.
