Homegrown CEO Hopes to Bring Stability, Trust to Chicago’s School System

Chicago Public Schools is one of the largest school systems in the country, and historically one of the most troubled. The district has cycled through seven CEOs in the past eight years and come under harsh criticism over school closings, budget cuts and teacher strikes. Yet despite the tumultuous times at the top, and challenges all large, urban school districts face, Chicago schools have also seen more academic improvement than nearly any other school system in the country. A large part of what has made this possible has been district’s focus on school leadership, specifically, developing strong principals. Now, city leaders are hoping to bring more stability to the system AND continue this positive academic trajectory… as the new CEO Janice Jackson takes the helm.