José Torres has been selected interim CEO of Chicago Public Schools, where he has previously overseen a network of 25 schools in South Side communities.
The Chicago Tribune reports that Torres left the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora after serving as its president from 2014 to April 2021.
"His decades of experience, as well as his past leadership roles, make him a great candidate for the role of interim CPS CEO and I am confident that he will lead us well through this critically important transition," Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a news release.
Torres will serve as interim CEO until a new, permanent CEO has been selected.
According to Torres' LinkedIn page, from 2008 to 2014, he was superintendent of District U-46 in Elgin, Ill.— the second largest school system in Illinois, following Chicago.
He was a regional superintendent in Chicago from 2006 to 2008; before that he as an assistant superintendent in the Anne Arundel County district in Annapolis, Md.
“Serving the incredible students, staff, and families of Chicago Public Schools at this critical time is an immense privilege, and I am grateful to be returning to the CPS family,” said Torres.
Torres received his bachelor, master and doctoral degree from the University of Maryland in College Park. He also was a Fellow at the Eli Broad Urban Superintendents Academy and a Fellow at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education.
Torres would replace outgoing CEO Janice Jackson, who announced her departure last month. Two other top district officials, Chief Education Officer LaTanya McDade and Chief Operating Officer Arnie Rivera, are also leaving their jobs.
The district also announced Monday that Maurice Swinney will serve as the Interim Chief Education Officer and Lindy McGuire will serve as Interim Chief Operating Officer.
