Mayor Johnson's CPS board president faces scrutiny over request for taxpayer-funded car and driver, tells you his state of mind when it comes to saving money
By Paris Schutz
CPS board president faces scrutiny over request for taxpayer-funded car and driver
The new president of the Chicago Board of Education is asking for some premium perks to come with his part-time job.
The BriefChicago Board of Education President Sean Harden has requested a taxpayer-funded Ford Expedition and personal driver for his unpaid, part-time role.
The $154,000 request comes as CPS faces a $500 million budget deficit and ongoing contract negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU).
CPS officials and CTU leaders are at odds over the district’s financial capacity, with independent arbitration potentially leading to a strike vote.
CHICAGO - Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Board President Sean Harden is facing criticism after requesting a taxpayer-funded Ford Expedition and personal driver for his part-time, unpaid position.
According to CPS sources and internal communications, the request would require $154,000 in additional funding, as these perks fall outside the board's budget.
What we know:
The estimated cost includes $76,000 for the vehicle and $78,000 for a full-time driver, who CPS officials note would likely have significant downtime given the board's meeting schedule of 2–3 times per month.
While CPS executives like the CEO and Chief Education Officer also have cars and drivers, they frequently travel between schools—a contrast to the largely administrative role of the board president.
Vice President Olga Bautista confirmed Harden’s request, but efforts to reach him directly were unsuccessful. CPS sources say no board president has received such perks in at least a decade.
The request comes as CPS grapples with a projected $500 million deficit before factoring in a new contract with the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), which could add between $1.6 billion and $2.4 billion in costs over the next four years. CPS Chief Budget Officer Mike Sitkowski warned that additional expenses could lead to program cuts, furloughs, or layoffs.
What we don't know:
Harden’s rationale for requesting these perks remains unclear, as he has yet to comment publicly. Additionally, it is uncertain how CPS leadership will address this request amid widespread budget concerns.
What they're saying:
CTU leaders claim CPS is understating its financial capacity.
"Given these facts about CPS funding situation...our proposals are reasonable and realizable," said Pavlyn Jankov, a CTU research director.
Meanwhile, Sitkowski emphasized that CTU's demands could bring the deficit to $1 billion next year alone.
What's next:
Both CPS and CTU have agreed to independent fact-finding, a step that could precede a strike vote. The outcome of Harden’s request for perks may also influence broader conversations about resource allocation within CPS.
Sean B. Harden, bio
President
Sean B. Harden is a trusted community leader and compassionate advocate for positive change. Raised on the South Side of Chicago, Harden leverages his personal and professional relationships, along with his business expertise, to enhance and elevate the community. Over the past 20 years, he has held many leadership roles, including that of Chief Executive Officer and President of Goodcity, a nonprofit focused on developing social entrepreneurs in under-resourced communities; Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Community Affairs for Chicago Public Schools; and Director of Workforce Development for the City of Chicago, where he helped thousands of individuals secure employment.
Harden’s commitment to empowering communities and ensuring optimal efficiency continues to shape his initiatives, in Chicago and beyond. He is currently the Chairman of Inner Voice, an organization dedicated to uplifting the homeless with essential services and resources. He also serves as Chairman for Friend Health, the sixth largest federally qualified health center in Illinois. The health center provides affordable medical services for low-income and uninsured individuals. He most recently assumed the esteemed role of Chairman at the Revolution Institute. The organization offers technical training, certifications, apprenticeships and job placement assistance.
Harden is the founder of Harden Wright Consultant Group, which he has led since 2013. Along with encouraging community engagement, the organization assists nonprofits and businesses with strategic planning, grant administration, and organizational development. In 2021 he also founded Hard Wright Development where he focuses on developing residential housing in low to moderate income neighborhoods.
Harden studied Business Administration and Marketing at Morehouse College in Atlanta, and holds numerous certifications, including but not limited to a Project Management Certification from DePaul University’s Egan Urban Center.
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