Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice Jackson To Resign In June

CHICAGO – After navigating a teachers strike and the coronavirus crisis, public schools chief executive Janice Jackson plans to resign later this year.

In an email to Chicago Public Schools staff, Jackson said she has made the "tough decision" not to renew her contract, which expired June 30.

"While I feel there is still more work to be done in CPS, I also believe it is time to pass the torch to new leadership for the next chapter," Jackson wrote.

Jackson was appointed CEO by former Mayor Rahm Emanuel in 2017. She replaced Forrest Claypool who resigned after being accused of ethics violations. Claypool replaced Barbara Byrd-Bennett, who was convicted and sent to federal prison for her part in a kickback scheme.

Jackson said she plans to serve out the rest of her contract with a focus on "ensuring a successful and safe reopening of schools full time in the fall."

" This includes implementing our comprehensive plan to help our schools recover from the pandemic by addressing academic and social and emotional needs and investing in supports that bring transformative change. It will be a down payment on the bright future and big things to come for CPS," she wrote in an email to staff. "When I began this journey, I made a commitment to lead with integrity, courage, and excellence while bringing much needed stability to the district. I have delivered on that promise and will continue to advocate for the children of Chicago."