Chicago Public Schools CEO Speaks at City Club

Janice Jackson, CEO of Chicago Public Schools
Janice Jackson, CEO of Chicago Public Schools

Chicago Public Schools CEO Speaks at City Club

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

The City Club of Chicago recently hosted Janice Jackson, CEO of Chicago Public Schools (CPS), to give her outlook on the future of the school district. Jackson became the CEO in January and since then she has been working towards her goal of making CPS the best possible school system for its students.

“Seven months ago I stepped into the role of CEO of Chicago Public Schools on the heels of a stunning report that said that Chicago Public students were leading the country in academic gains. Students in Chicago learn six years of information and content in just five years which is quite remarkable. It’s remarkable because 30 years ago, we couldn’t say that same for Chicago public schools and it’s virtually unheard of for a district of our size with our demographics,” said Jackson.

Before she stepped up to the podium to give her speech, Jackson was introduced by the Chicago Public School Board President, Frank Clark, who said that he has been inspired and impressed by her leadership.

“She stepped up and has owned the issues that are confronting us today. It doesn’t matter whether those issues go back a year or a decade and most importantly she handled these issues in my judgment in a totally transparent manner. In Dr. Jackson, the students of the Chicago Public Schools have a passionate educator who is fully focused on providing a high-quality education for every single child in Chicago,” said Clark.

Jackson took time in her speech to note the $26 million dollar investment to hire 254 new full-time, school-based positions for the 2018-19 school year. The new hires will include 160 social workers to support 160 schools and 94 special education case manager positions at 78 schools.

“We know that if kids have experienced trauma or are actively dealing with trauma or quite frankly, don’t know where their next meal is going to come from, it’s very hard to focus on learning in the classroom setting. I’ve heard from teachers over and over again that they can’t be everything and they need more support and it gives me great honor and it’s a great privilege to be able to provide more support for them so they can do great work for our children,” said Jackson. “I know as a former teacher and principal that those additional supports really can make all the difference.”

Moving forward, to be able to reach her goal of making CPS the best school district possible for all of its students, Jackson said that she will do everything in her power to protect CPS students just like she would do for her own children.

“We don’t expect any credit until the work is done and the culture has changed in our district but I want you to know that I personally won’t be satisfied with anything less than the best possible school system for our students,” said Jackson.

The City Club of Chicago recently hosted Janice Jackson (pictured), CEO of Chicago Public Schools, to give her outlook on the future of the school district.

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