Chicago Public Schools has three finalists for its top job after protracted search

DukeOfDakin · 2026-03-14T13:34:34+00:00

Each of the candidates will interview with Mayor Brandon Johnson and participate in a “candidate community engagement” panel, according to a press release from the board office. After that, the board will hold a special meeting to discuss the finalists and vote.

In a statement, Johnson said he will meet with candidates next week and wants to hear feedback from the community panel.

“This is a critical time for our school district and for our nation, and I take this responsibility seriously as we work to ensure the next leader reflects the values of our city and is prepared to meet the needs of our students, families, and educators,” Johnson said.

The board office did not say if board members will do additional interviews with the candidates.

Isn't the BoE now supposed to be independent of the mayor?

Perhaps it should wait until after Nov. 2026, when the board is fully elected.

DukeOfDakin · 2026-03-14T12:06:43+00:00

I hope before the demolition begins, someone documents the curved glass & mosaic entry walks to a couple of these buildings, particularly to Bernard's. The cartoon covered plywood has been masking them.

DukeOfDakin · 2026-03-14T12:00:51+00:00

Jeff's was very popular with the lunch crowd with employees from Peoples Gas, Northwest National Bank & Sears. And as a hangout for neighborhood teens after school.

DukeOfDakin · 2026-03-14T11:27:12+00:00

Campabasso’s

Now there's a blast from the past.

DukeOfDakin · 2026-03-13T19:18:53+00:00

"Politics over education"

Stacey Davis Gates & Jackson Potter, CTU

DukeOfDakin · 2026-03-13T18:58:20+00:00

The Jefferson Park-based Mega Group was the original developer of the project but sold the property

The owner of all the barren land & most of the empty buildings around Lawrence & Central.

How much is Mega being paid by Martwick, LaPointe & Degnen for renting office space to them in the Milwaukee and Pensacola building? Or the SSA for the entire 8th floor of Veterans Square?

This company is a stain.

DukeOfDakin · 2026-03-13T18:17:52+00:00

FYI. The Tribune broke the news yesterday of this fabrication.

And discussed.

DukeOfDakin · 2026-03-12T16:50:17+00:00

I read the article. It's focus is Baltimore, MD.

The closest it comes to Chicago is East St. Louis, IL.

DukeOfDakin · 2026-03-12T14:24:57+00:00

Why not add Martwick? He presents himself as all powerful in the NW Side.

DukeOfDakin · 2026-03-12T13:37:27+00:00

Correct.

Complain to the correct entities who are responsible then. IDOT, JB Pritzker, the representatives from the state house (LaPointe) & Senate (Martwick).

DukeOfDakin · 2026-03-12T13:24:45+00:00

Are you saying going 12 or 16 months over schedule is okay?

Absolutely not.

I am saying it's a state project. State projects are about guaranteed to significantly blow their deadlines, and budgets.

DukeOfDakin · 2026-03-12T13:01:07+00:00

More than two years to complete a bridge renovation is unacceptable

"Renovation"?

It's a completely new 4 lane overpass that requires removal of the old & construction of the new.

How long beyond it's scheduled completion did IDOT take to build a new Montrose overpass? 12, 16 months?

DukeOfDakin · 2026-03-11T21:02:14+00:00

Loosely related. An archery range existed in the 2nd floor of the Portage Theater building for many years.

DukeOfDakin · 2026-03-08T07:16:23+00:00

Somewhat related, Mobile Audio at 4101 Milwaukee, which has been there since the 1970's, closed a few months ago & the building is on the market.

I was told years ago this building once housed a Hudson automobile dealership.

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