Chicago Public Schools Superintendent/CEO Search

Help Shape the Future of CPS
The Chicago Board of Education (Board) launched a national search for the next superintendent/CEO of Chicago Public Schools (CPS)—a visionary and collaborative leader who will build on our district’s progress and champion the success of every student, in every neighborhood.

As one of the nation’s largest school district, we are committed to finding a leader who shares our values of equity, excellence, and community partnership. The new superintendent/CEO will work alongside families, educators, the Board, and community members to continue driving improvements in student achievement, classroom experiences, and school resources.

Our Commitment

  • Inclusive Process: We are centering the voices of students, families, educators, and community stakeholders throughout the

     search process.
  • Transparency: We will provide regular updates and opportunities for public input throughout the process.
  • Excellence: We are committed to finding a visionary leader who will help make CPS the best urban school district in the country.

Community Engagement Phase Complete
In June, the Board concluded an extensive and inclusive community engagement phase for the superintendent/CEO search.

📄 [Read the full report here.]

Our outreach—led by the executive search firm Alma Advisory Group (Alma)—included 11 in-person community gatherings (one in each Elected School Board district), a virtual session, and more than 70 interviews and focus groups.

As part of the process, Zencity conducted a citywide community survey.

📄 [Read the full report here.]

Alma and Zencity each presented their findings during the Board’s June 26 meeting.

Community Participation
More than 1,400 CPS parents, students, teachers, school leaders, administrators, community members, partners, elected officials, and Board members participated—demonstrating a strong, shared commitment to shaping the future of CPS.

What We Learned
CPS stakeholders expressed a clear vision for the next leader: someone who can rebuild trust, refresh the narrative, and advance the District’s Five-Year Strategic Plan.

There is also a deep sense of pride in CPS and its many strengths.

Key themes that emerged include:

  • Growing confidence in instruction and student achievement
  • Deep dedication among teachers, principals, and staff
  • Empowered student voice and leadership
  • Ongoing commitment to equity and inclusion
  • Increased school autonomy with accessible leadership

Along with celebrating CPS' progress, participants also emphasized the need for bold, forward-focused change.

Top priorities include:

  • Expanding post-secondary offerings, arts, sports, and programming
  • Stabilizing the District’s finances
  • Addressing enrollment decline
  • Introducing new ideas and innovation that attract families back to CPS
  • Expanding support for students with disabilities and student mental health and wellbeing

Job Prospectus Released
The Board has finalized its Superintendent/CEO Job Prospectus, which reflects the values, priorities, and responsibilities Chicagoans envision in the District’s next leader. 

We understand our search is about more than hiring a new superintendent/CEO—it’s about building a stronger, more inclusive future for CPS. And that only works if we’re listening.  

Next Steps
Our search is now entering the candidate screening and interviewing phases (timeline shown below). The Board has a commitment to center community voice in this process. This prospectus ensures our families, students, educators, and community members can see their priorities reflected in our search process. 

We will continue to share news and updates on our progress.

Apply Now 

The Board is committed to selecting a leader who upholds educational excellence, equity, and accountability. As outlined in the Board resolution passed on March 20, 2025, candidates must hold a valid Illinois Professional Educator License with a Superintendent endorsement—or an equivalent credential from another state.

Although the superintendent/CEO job profile was initially posted in April, the Board revised the job criteria to better reflect the insight gathered during the community engagement process.  

News and Updates

Our Superintendent/CEO Job Prospectus is now available. Thank you to our many stakeholders for being active participants in this important phase of our search process.