Johnson appoints new members to Chicago Board of Education after mass resignations

Mayor Brandon Johnson appointed seven new members to the Chicago Board of Education on Monday. This follows the unexpected resignation of all seven board members last week, which raised concerns among city and state officials. The new appointees include Olga Bautista and Michilla “Kyla” Blaise. Their appointments aim to restore stability amid tensions between Johnson, the Chicago Teachers Union, and CPS CEO Pedro Martinez over the school system's financial issues. City Council members expressed concerns and requested a hearing for vetting the new appointees. However, they have no official power over the mayor's appointments. The new board will begin its work before the first school board elections on November 5.