On June 11, 2025, the Chicago Board of Education voted 11–8 to appoint Macquline King as the interim Chief Executive Officer of Chicago Public Schools (CPS).
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King is a former longtime CPS principal currently serving as the mayor’s senior director of educational policy. She spent 18 years in education, earning her doctorate and a superintendent’s license.
King is set to take the position following the departure of former CEO Pedro Martinez, whose tenure ended amid fiscal disagreements with Mayor Brandon Johnson.
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The Board’s decision to appoint King was influenced by her extensive education policy experience and established relationships within CPS.
Board member Anusha Thotakura emphasized that King’s background would provide the district with stability: “We are looking forward to Dr. King’s leadership and her experience in and outside of CPS to provide the district with the stability and the continuity that we need to get us through the next few months.”
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King will officially become the interim CPS CEO starting next Thursday.
Despite King’s qualifications, some board members showed concerns over reports of King being cited for negligence during her tenure as a principal. However, these incidents did not result in formal disciplinary action.
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The interim role is expected to last until the Board hires a permanent CEO, a process in which the board hopes to fill by October.
In the meantime, King will be tasked with navigating the challenges of CPS, including fiscal issues and the implementation of educational policies.
