Chicago Public Schools Chief Education Officer Chkoumbova resigns, plans for future opportunities

Chicago Public Schools Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova has announced her resignation, coinciding with the upcoming departure of CEO Pedro Martinez, raising concerns about stability and future leadership in the nation’s fourth-largest school district. Chkoumbova, a 24-year CPS veteran who began as a special education teacher, cited delays in the CEO search process and uncertainty about the district’s direction as reasons for her decision. She highlighted ongoing challenges such as under-enrollment, aging infrastructure, and the debate over potential school closures, emphasizing a need for thoughtful, non-disruptive solutions. Chkoumbova expressed pride in her contributions to strategic planning, a new budgeting model focused on school needs, and improvements in graduation rates and early education. There is concern among school board members and staff that these high-profile departures could signal further instability and leadership turnover. The future direction of CPS will depend heavily on the mayor’s forthcoming decisions regarding new leadership appointments.