Chicago Board of Education News Release: The Chicago Board of Education Appoints Dr. Macquline King as Interim Superintendent/CEO

CHICAGO – As the search for the Chicago Public Schools (CPS)' next leader continues, the Chicago Board of Education (Board) has appointed Macquline King, Ed.D., as CPS' Interim Superintendent/CEO. The Board approved the appointment during Wednesday’s Agenda Review Committee (ARC) meeting.

“Identifying an interim candidate who understands the services, components, concerns, and politics that go along with this role—and how to balance them—was paramount,” said CPS Board President Sean B. Harden.

“Similar to the ongoing search for the person who will hold this seat permanently, the Board wants to ensure our interim is a leader who upholds educational excellence, equity, and accountability while also exemplifying the values of CPS stakeholders across the District.”

Dr. King is an accomplished and visionary education leader with more than 18 years of professional experience in transforming urban education systems. She holds a Professional Educator License with a Superintendent endorsement. She currently serves as the senior director of education policy (P-16) for the City of Chicago, Office of the Mayor, a role she has held since 2022. In this capacity, Dr. King serves as a strategic advisor on PreK-16 education initiatives, aligning resources and policies across CPS, City Colleges, and early childhood programs. She has provided key strategic guidance on city agency budget proposals, ensuring alignment with priorities and fiscal sustainability.

Dr. King has also spearheaded interagency collaboration to facilitate migrant student enrollment and expand early childhood access. She has fostered strong relationships with labor partners and monitored legislative bills impacting public education. Her work includes drafting the City of Chicago Higher Education Strategy and partnering with city agencies to enhance career pathway opportunities for students. She also secured structural reform for Sustainable Community Schools and led efforts to revitalize scholarship initiatives, resulting in significant funding for students.

In her previous role as principal of Courtenay Language Arts Center, Dr. King led school merger efforts, rebuilding public trust through community engagement. She raised significant funds to develop an inclusive playground and established a Restorative Practice Department, which dramatically reduced suspensions. She also expanded mental health support and implemented positive behavior interventions to improve student engagement and school culture.

Dr. King’s academic background reflects a deep commitment to instructional leadership and organizational effectiveness. She earned her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in educational leadership from National Louis University, where she also completed two Master of Education (M.Ed.) degrees—one in administration and supervision, and another in curriculum and instruction. Her foundational training in pedagogy began with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education, also from National Louis University. This strong academic preparation has informed her approach to advancing educational equity and student success at every level of the system.

The Board will continue actively searching for a qualified candidate to serve as the permanent leader and aims to fill the position as soon as possible. Visit the Board’s Superintendent/CEO search landing page for updates on the search process at CPSBOE.org/supt-ceo-search.

“The Board will work together to support the continued success of the District under Dr. King’s leadership,“ said Board Member and Transition Team Chair Jessica Biggs. “We look forward to Dr. King continuing the momentum of tremendous student academic growth and achievement, from our youngest Pre-K scholars to our amazing Class of 2025, and we look forward to partnering toward the common goal of ensuring every student, in every neighborhood, has access to a high-quality educational experience.”

Dr. King is scheduled to commence her duties on June 20, 2025.