In response to recent tensions between City Hall and the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago have issued a statement. They are urging the CPS board to retain CEO Pedro Martinez and to reject a proposed high-interest loan.

The statement emphasizes the organizations' long-standing commitment to education quality and public sector fiscal stability. It reads: "For as long as we have existed, the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago and the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce have made the quality of education and public sector fiscal stability top priorities. With that in mind, we are compelled to weigh in on recent developments at the Chicago Public Schools."

The groups expressed concern over discussions about potentially firing CEO Martinez and Mayor Johnson’s request for CPS to borrow over $300 million through a short-term, high-interest loan. They argue that such a loan is unaffordable for CPS.

"The management stability, educational quality, and financial state of the Chicago Public Schools is critical to both the short and long-term prospects of the children of Chicago as well as the long-term economic future of our city," they stated. "Having stability at the helm of CPS is critical if we are to improve educational quality, assure financial soundness, and maintain confidence in the system among parents and children."

The statement concludes with a strong recommendation: "We strongly urge the board to keep CEO Martinez in place, reject the proposal to borrow more money, and work with all parties to bring long-term fiscal stability and quality of education to the school system."