Chicago

Support Swells For Interim CPS CEO Janice Jackson

There was a groundswell of support Tuesday for interim Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice Jackson who was named to the post after Forrest Claypool stepped down.

Supporters want to make sure her appointment it's permanent. Mayor Rahm Emanuel has "100 percent confidence" in her noting her "incredible record," he said during Claypool's resignation announcement.

Still, activists and ministers are weary.

"Less than one week ago, Mayor Rahm Emanuel unapologetically--in full support--came out and gave 110 percent confidence in Forrest Claypool," Rev. Ira Acree said.

At 40 years old she has a doctorate in education, has been a principal's supervisor, a CPS graduate herself and now a parent of a CPS student.

Seth Lavin, the principal at Brentano Math and Science Academy first met Jackson as he took graduate level classes to become a principal.

"She's invested at every level," he said.

CEO of CPS is a stressful position. Others chosen by Emanuel, Jean Claude Brizard, Barbara Byrd Bennett and Forrest Claypool, were all forced out.

But Jackson steps in with wide appeal, Lavin said.

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