Chicago Public Schools announced on Friday Chief Education Officer Dr. Noemi Donoso, appointed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, is leaving.
CPS said that Donoso will be stepping down to "pursue national projects that will support the next generation of leaders in urban education," according to a news release on their website.
“It is with profound respect and appreciation for this district’s commitment to young people and a sense of optimism about the future of this city that I announce I am leaving the District," Donoso said in a statement. "It has been a great honor to serve the children of Chicago Public Schools.”
Her departure, effective May 31, prompted Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis to express her concerns.
“Donoso’s departure is an unwelcome signal of instability on the education side and yet another example of the chaos on Clark Street,” Lewis said. “It appears that anyone who knows anything about teaching and learning has a short shelf life at CPS."
Her resignation is the fourth high-ranking CPS resignation in recent weeks, according to a Chicago Sun-Times report.
Donoso was plucked from Denver to serve as second in command to CPS CEO Jean-Claude Brizard, and had yet to fulfill her two year contract.
“Noemi’s commitment to improving the academic success of children is unmatched by most I have worked with in my 25 years as an educator," said Brizard in a statement. "We wish her the very best in all of her future pursuits and thank her for her tireless efforts on behalf of Chicago Public School students.”
CPS says they will announce an interim replacement before Donoso's departure to ensure a smooth transition.
