Martinez's opinion piece published Tuesday in the Chicago Tribune comes as the school district is expected to adopt a resolution at its monthly board meeting Thursday that prevents any district-run schools from closing through the 2026-27 school year.

Later, at Benito Juarez High School, the support of teachers, counselors and community members led me to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where I fully realized how education could transform my life.

Tensions are escalating between supporters of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO Pedro Martinez and Mayor Brandon Johnson, who has called for Martinez to resign.

Regarding his op-ed “I’m not resigning as CPS chief, and we’re not closing any schools” (Sept. 25): Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez embodies the American Dream, and his commitment and zeal to help our children are commendable.