Chicago Public Schools Superintendent/CEO Search

Help Shape the Future of CPS

The Chicago Board of Education (Board) is launching 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

The Board has concluded its 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

Next Steps
The insights gathered will inform a comprehensive prospectus outlining the desired qualities, priorities, and challenges for the next superintendent/CEO.

The Board will soon launch its recruitment strategy and begin identifying candidates.

Community voices will continue to guide the process during this critical phase. The final prospectus will be shared once it is available.

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.

Applications for the position opened April 25, allowing candidates to apply before the school year ends. 

News and Updates

Our community gatherings, focus groups, and survey are now closed. Thank you to the many students, families, educators, school leaders, staff, community members, and partners who took the time to share your insights, hopes, and expectations for the next superintendent/CEO of Chicago Public Schools.