Chicago Board of Education Names Three Finalists to Lead Chicago Public Schools

The Chicago Board of Education has identified three finalists to serve as the permanent chief executive of Chicago Public Schools (CPS), culminating a months-long search process marked by several complications. Among the candidates is Macquline King, the district's current interim leader, who had initially been told she would not be considered for the permanent role.

Joining King on the finalist list are Meisha Porter, formerly the first Black woman to serve as chancellor of New York City's public school system, and Sito Narcisse, who previously served as superintendent of East Baton Rouge Parish schools in Louisiana and has held leadership roles in districts across Tennessee and Maryland. All three candidates bring experience leading large urban school systems. Next week, the finalists will meet with Mayor Brandon Johnson and face interviews before a 15-member panel comprising students, parents, teachers, and community members.

The selection process has drawn scrutiny over the absence of Latino candidates from the final pool, despite Latino students comprising nearly half of CPS enrollment. Community leaders have publicly criticized the board, calling it a missed opportunity for representative leadership. The announcement also arrives amid ongoing debate over whether the mayor holds formal authority to appoint the district's permanent leader, a question the Chicago Teachers Union believes state law currently resolves in Johnson's favor. Board member Norma Rios-Sierra emphasized the priority of finding a candidate familiar with the complexities of running a large urban district who could provide the stability CPS urgently needs.