Sito Narcisse: A Contender for Chicago Public Schools CEO Faces Scrutiny
Sito Narcisse is one of three finalists vying to grow the next CEO of Chicago Public Schools (CPS). His track record as a former superintendent in Louisiana’s East Baton Rouge Parish School System and his extensive career in education across multiple states, is under scrutiny as the search for a novel leader nears its conclusion. Unlike interim CPS CEO Macquline King, who has deep roots in Chicago, Narcisse brings an outsider’s perspective, having worked in cities including Pittsburgh, Boston, and Washington, D.C. Over nearly 20 years.
A Mixed Record in East Baton Rouge Parish
Narcisse led East Baton Rouge Parish schools from 2021 until 2024. During his tenure, the school board narrowly voted not to renew his contract in late 2023. Supporters lauded his initiatives, such as linking high school students to college-level coursework through the “Pathways to Bright Futures” program, whereas critics raised concerns about spending fueled by federal COVID relief dollars and declining employee morale.
Academic results during Narcisse’s leadership were mixed. Literacy scores for students in grades K-3 improved by almost 5 percentage points. Yet, scores for students in grades 3-8 on state reading and math tests remained relatively stagnant, fluctuating between 23-24% at the “basic” level. CPS students in grades 3-8 saw improvements in proficiency during the same period, increasing from about 21% to 30% in reading and from 16% to 18% in math. [Chalkbeat Chicago]
Average ACT scores remained around 17 during Narcisse’s time in East Baton Rouge, with a single increase to 18, matching the state average. Graduation rates fluctuated but ultimately remained at approximately 73%, comparable to the 79-80% graduation rate seen in CPS during the same timeframe. [Chalkbeat Chicago]
Controversies and Criticisms
Narcisse’s leadership wasn’t without controversy. Concerns were raised regarding school transportation issues and a perceived lack of transparency in decision-making. Specifically, board members were reportedly unaware of a plan to close an alternative middle school until discovering it within the proposed budget. [The Advocate] A “sickout” by bus drivers due to pay and working conditions further exacerbated transportation problems, leading to a special board meeting and calls for Narcisse’s resignation. [The Advocate]
Prior to his role in East Baton Rouge, Narcisse faced criticism during his tenure as headmaster of Boston’s English High School from 2009-2012. The Boston Globe reported significant staff turnover and controversial changes, including same-sex classrooms, alongside concerns about a lack of academic improvement and withheld state funding.
An event called “Day of Hope,” organized in partnership with a local organization, also drew criticism for allegedly having religious overtones and including discussions of sensitive topics. [The Advocate]
Financial Management and COVID Relief Funds
During his time in East Baton Rouge, Narcisse oversaw the allocation of over $200 million in federal COVID relief funds. Audits revealed increased spending with these funds, and the district accumulated a record amount in reserve funds. However, this spending level was unsustainable as the federal funds began to expire.
Support for Narcisse’s Leadership
Michael Gaudet, former president of the East Baton Rouge Parish school board, described Narcisse as a “deliberate and decisive” leader focused on student needs. He specifically praised Narcisse’s work to add literacy coaches and develop a blueprint for literacy improvement. [WAFB] Dadrius Lanus, an East Baton Rouge Parish school board member and ally of Narcisse, highlighted the lasting benefits of the “Pathways to Bright Futures” program.
Next Steps in the CPS CEO Search
Narcisse is one of three finalists, alongside interim CPS CEO Macquline King and former New York City schools chancellor Meisha Porter. [WBEZ] The finalists will meet with Mayor Brandon Johnson and undergo interviews with a 15-member panel before a final decision is made. The Chicago Board of Education aims to appoint the next CEO before the start of the 2026-2027 school year. [Yahoo News]
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