Interim Chicago Public Schools CEO Dr. Magdalene King told the Board of Education on June 26 that her immediate priorities are passing a transparent budget and ensuring schools open Aug. 18 in learning-ready condition. "I step into this role with a deep sense of responsibility and an unwavering commitment to the students, families, and the educators," King said in her first official meeting as interim CEO.

King said district staff briefed her on the budget and that "the total funding required to cover all CPS expenses is $730,000,000," and she pledged to lead an engagement process to align expenditures and revenue opportunities.

Why it matters: The district is facing a years-long structural funding shortfall, and King’s pledge to center transparency and partnership sets the public agenda for the summer as administrators and unions press for staffing and funding assurances before the school year. Board members of differing perspectives told King they expect bold revenue strategies, not just cuts. "If we get the CPS piece right, it is an economic engine for Chicago," Board Member Blaise said. Board Member Brown urged the interim CEO to "be bold and daring. Push possibilities to the limit."

The board also reported the results of a rapid, citywide engagement effort to inform the permanent CEO search. Survey firm ZenCity said it collected responses from nearly 2,700 Chicago residents and Alma Advisory reported more than 70 interviews and focus groups engaging "more than 1,400 stakeholders." ZenCity summarized that respondents—whether or not they have direct CPS ties—prioritized high-quality instruction, preparing students for careers and equity-focused supports; residents also asked for strong communication, innovation and responsiveness from the next CEO.

Alma Advisory summarized themes from community gatherings, saying stakeholders want a leader who can "rebuild trust, change the narrative, and realize the strategic plan," and recommended the board use community input to shape the formal job prospectus and interview process. Alma said the prospectus will be developed and published in July and that candidate interviews are expected to begin in August or September, with timing dependent on board decisions and candidate availability.

Discussion vs. action: The June 26 session presented the interim CEO’s first public priorities; the board did not vote to hire a permanent CEO at the meeting. The board did take routine votes on consent items and later approved other agenda resolutions (see separate coverage), and it recessed for 30 minutes by a recorded motion earlier in the meeting.

What’s next: The board and Alma staff said they will publish a prospectus in July that incorporates the community input and will return to the board with a recruitment and interview schedule. King said she will lead budget engagement this summer and expects to meet school communities, unions and civic stakeholders as part of the process.