Galileo Math & Science Academy has restarted its principal selection process after receiving a decision letter Aug. 9 from Alicia Winckler, chief human capital officer at Chicago Public Schools.

The letter thanked the Galileo local school council (LSC) for its participation but reiterated the CPS’s stand to disqualify Acting Principal BlancaMiarka as permanent principal based on guidelines set by the CPS school board selection committee.

According to LSC member Kali Plomin, “though disappointed, the LSC board moved forward with its selection process in an open LSC meeting on Aug. 24.”

Plomin added she is unsure whether the LSC board will consider the 12 candidates it had shortlisted in June or repost the position with the CPS school board.

Miarka’s temporary appointment had been extended only until Aug. 27, so the LSCmembers, school personnel, children, and parents are awaiting a decision on the new acting principal for Galileo as of this writing. Plomin noted that, of the two candidates for acting principal proposed in June, one already had taken another position and the other was disqualified as an “unsuitable” candidate for the school.

The LSC met Aug. 24 to resume the principal selection process, bringing in the top 11 candidates from the spring plus three new candidates provided by the CPS. On Thursday, Sept. 2, the LSC heard presentations from the 14 candidates.

On Wednesday, Sept. 8, at 6:30 p.m. at the school, the LSC will hold an open training session on principal selection and revise its timeline on principal choice.

Many in attendance on Aug. 24 supported the idea ofMiarka staying on as assistant principal and asked the CPS to formally offer her that post.

—Susan Fong