Update on Board Search for Chicago Public Schools’ Permanent Leader 

Thank you for visiting the Chicago Board of Education’s (Board) Superintendent/Chief Executive Officer (Supt/CEO) search landing page for official status updates. 

The Board concluded its search for Chicago Public Schools’ (CPS) next leader with the  appointment of Macquline King, Ed.D, during a Special Board Meeting held on March 30, 2026. 

A CPS educator and leader for more than 30 years, Dr. King began her duties as the permanent Supt/CEO on March 31. She previously served as interim Supt/CEO from June 11, 2025, to March 30, 2026. Read the full announcement here.

Search Overview

Launched in Spring 2025, the Board's search for CPS’ next leader prioritized inclusivity, fairness, and transparency. Community engagement, led by Alma Advisory Group, included 11 in-person community gatherings (across the District), a districtwide virtual session, and over 70 stakeholder interviews and focus groups. More than 1,400 people attended the in-person and virtual engagement sessions. A citywide online survey conducted by Zencity received over 3,500 responses. View the full survey report here.

Community Insights

CPS stakeholders emphasized the need for a leader who could rebuild trust, refresh the District’s community impact, and advance its Five-Year Strategic Plan. They also shared a deep sense of pride in CPS and its many strengths. The Board concluded the community engagement phase in June 2025. Read the full report here.

Candidate Selection Process

The Board released a Job Prospectus, reflecting Chicago’s priorities for CPS’ next leader. More than 1,000 nominations were submitted for the Board’s Community Interview Panel. Sixteen panelists were selected through a lottery. They represented CPS students, parents and families of CPS students, teachers, school leaders and other CPS employees, CPS alumni, community partners, and Chicago residents. All panelists were trained before meeting finalists. Each signed a confidentiality agreement.

A National Search

More than 100 applicants from across the country participated in the rigorous process. Finalists interviewed with the Board and the Community Interview Panel. 

The Board extends its gratitude to all stakeholders whose participation contributed to this successful search.