About the Commissioner

Welcome Video (Spanish )

On July 1, 2025, Pedro Martinez became the 25^th commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Born in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Mr. Martinez moved to Chicago with his family at the age of 5 and credits education with changing the trajectory of his life. The oldest of 12 children, he was the first in his family to graduate from high school and college. He eventually returned to the school system of his youth, serving as Chicago Public Schools' chief financial officer from 2003 to 2009 and later as its CEO from 2021 to 2025.

Mr. Martinez has spent more than two decades in systems leadership, including 12 years as a superintendent. During his tenure, Chicago Public Schools expanded full-day early childhood classrooms, posted strong post-pandemic reading gains, and set new records in terms of graduation rates, scholarships earned, and college credits obtained in high school.

Prior to being CEO of Chicago Public Schools, Mr. Martinez was superintendent of the San Antonio Independent School District, which the Texas governor and education commissioner recognized for being the fastest improving large district in that state in 2018, 2019, and 2021.

Before joining San Antonio, Mr. Martinez was superintendent in residence for the Nevada Department of Education, where he advised the governor's office and the state superintendent of instruction on education policy. Prior to that, he was superintendent of the Washoe County School District in Reno, Nevada.

As a data-driven leader with in-depth knowledge of academic reform strategies, he firmly believes that with the right supports, students can and will rise to any challenge and that by setting the bar high, more young people will aspire to perform at higher levels and be prepared for success in college, career, and civic life.

Mr. Martinez holds a master's degree from DePaul University in Chicago and a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois. He is the first Latino to serve as DESE commissioner.

Mr. Martinez and his wife are the proud parents of two children.

Last Updated: July 7, 2025