So much for smooth transitions.
Chicago's City Council was buzzing today with word that Chicago School CEO Ron Huberman may just leave before Mayor Richard Daley's term ends next May.
Huberman tried to dismiss the story, telling reporters at dawn "nothing is imminent, I'm committed to make sure the school year goes well."
His intent? Well, that's a different matter. Sources at City Hall say Daley is fuming -- Huberman after all has been one of Daley's favorite go to guys. He's moved from Daley's chief of staff to running the 911 center, to the CTA and now the schools. To say he would jump ship early -- in other words, showing he's not putting the students first -- "is self serving," says our source.
The mayor told reporters, "when he makes his decision, he'll tell me, when he makes his decision, everybody's replaceable."
As for those who want to be the next mayor? They weighed in as well.
Gery Chico made his way to the City Council ante-room, knowing there'd be camera crews ready to record his reaction.
"We need to get families throughout the system hopeful again about the school system," said Chico.
Politics
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart told Ward Room by phone "I don't begrudge anyone if it's personal reasons," but also points out those in sensitive leadership positions like the CEO of schools need to consider the "dynamics around you."
City Clerk Miguel del Valle says "we will have to evaluate Huberman, we will have to evaluate Jody Weis, we will evaluate all these individuals."
Also, Rahm Emanuel, busy on his listening tour in Chinatown says "I won't comment on Ron, but we need strong leadership out of the mayor's office, also out of the Department of Education."
Note to Emanuel, clearly still using Washington-speak, it's not the Department of Education, its CPS -- Chicago Public Schools.
Huberman is not the only one who serves at the pleasure of the mayor.
Department of Aviation Chief Rosemarie Andolino and Police Superintendent Jody Weis are just two of the many likely to be shopping resumes these days.
Alderman Robert Fioretti, also mulling a mayoral run, is ready to replace Weis now.
"We shouldn't be waiting until his contract comes up in March, morale in the department is the lowest than it's ever been," he said.
