June 16, 2025

City Club event description:

On September 29, 2021, Pedro Martinez, who has more than 30 years of experience in the private, nonprofit, and public education sectors, began serving as CEO of Chicago Public Schools.

Born in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Mr. Martinez came to Chicago with his family at the age of 5 in search of a better life. The oldest of 12 children, his CPS journey began as a student on Chicago’s west side, and he credits the education he received in our district’s schools with changing the trajectory of his life.

A proud graduate of Benito Juarez in the Pilsen community, CEO Martinez was the first in his family to graduate from high school and college, and he chose to dedicate his life to education, eventually returning to the school system of his youth as CPS’ Chief Financial Officer from 2003 – 2009.

He is a nationally recognized superintendent with a track record of creating comprehensive, multi-year solutions that advance racial equity and economic mobility. He has spent more than two decades in systems leadership, including 12 years as a superintendent.

Under his leadership, CPS has seen dramatic gains in student achievement and staff morale. Students have achieved record-high graduation rates, scholarships earned, and college credits obtained in high school. CPS is also developing comprehensive, nationally recognized partnerships with philanthropic organizations, higher education institutions, trade unions, and businesses to create transformational opportunities and outcomes for students.

Prior to joining CPS, CEO Martinez served as the Superintendent of the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD), where he increased San Antonio ISD’s district grade from an “F” to a “B,” receiving statewide recognition from the Governor and Commissioner of Education as the fastest improving large district in Texas in 2018, 2019, and 2021.

Before joining SAISD, Mr. Martinez served as Superintendent in Residence for the Nevada Department of Education, where he was responsible for advising the Governor’s office and the State Superintendent of Instruction on education policy decisions. And, before that, he served as Superintendent for the Washoe County School District in Reno, Nevada.

As a data-driven leader with in-depth knowledge of academic reform strategies, he firmly believes that with the right supports, students can and will rise to any challenge, and that by setting the bar high, many more young people will demonstrate the aptitude and aspiration to perform at higher levels and be well-prepared for success in college, career, and civic life. CEO Martinez earned his M.B.A. from DePaul University in Chicago and his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Illinois. He has also obtained his Illinois Superintendent Endorsement and Texas Superintendent Certificate.

City Club video

Speaker
Pedro Martinez

Pedro Martinez is CEO of Chicago Public Schools. With more than 30 years of experience in the private, nonprofit, and public education sectors, Pedro Martinez is a data-driven, results-oriented leader with a strong record of improving student outcomes in school districts around the country.

Mr. Martinez began his tenure as CEO of Chicago Public Schools in late 2021 — his third position leading a major urban school district, and his second time in a leadership role at CPS. As a nationally recognized leader with in-depth knowledge of academic reform strategies, CEO Martinez has achieved success by focusing on academic excellence, talent recruitment, culture shift, stakeholder engagement, and strong fiscal management. Read more about CEO Martinez’s vision for the district in CPS’ Three-Year Blueprint, which details the steps CPS is taking to help students recover from the pandemic and reimagine a better, more equitable District for Chicago’s children.

Born in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Mr. Martinez came to Chicago with his family at the age of five in search of a better life. His CPS journey began as a student on Chicago’s west side, and he credits the education he received in the District’s schools with changing the trajectory of his life and inspiring him to dedicate his career to education.

Mr. Martinez earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Illinois. And his M.B.A. from DePaul University. He is also a graduate of the Broad Superintendent Academy and completed a Superintendent Certification Program at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He holds both a Texas Superintendent Certificate and a Professional Education License in Illinois with a Superintendent Endorsement.