CPS’ Interim Superintendent/CEO Dr. Macquline King brings to the role over 32 years of dedication, transformative leadership, and a deep commitment to equity and excellence in education.
A proud daughter of Chicago, Dr. King’s journey is a living testament to resilience, perseverance, and the extraordinary power of education to change lives. Raised in Chicago, she attended Oakenwald North Elementary and the Metropolitan School of Studies, where the foundation of her educational journey was laid. As a young, single mother, she faced significant challenges, yet she proved that education is not just a pathway to knowledge but a transformative force capable of breaking cycles of adversity and uplifting not only individuals, but entire communities.
Dr. King’s academic path began at City Colleges of Chicago, leading to a degree in Teacher Education from National Louis University. Dr. King’s excellence as a classroom teacher was defined by her steadfast commitment to fostering student success and growth. This dedication led to her role as a master teacher, where she mentored and supported novice educators. She also earned her National Board Certification in recognition of her expertise and impact. After 12 years of teaching in CPS classrooms, she began her leadership journey. Dr. King moved to the next level of her professional journey when she was selected for the prestigious New Leaders Principal Preparation Program, a nationally-recognized principal preparation program on accelerating outcomes for all students.
In the next defining chapter of her leadership journey, Dr. King became the principal of Dumas Elementary School in Woodlawn, a South Side community rich in promise. There, she championed a vision of hope and transformation, overcoming challenges and creating opportunities for growth and success. In her first year as principal, a successful grant application enabled Dumas to become one of the district’s inaugural technology academies. As the leader of Dumas, Dr. King led the school community with compassion and strength through the unprecedented 2013 CPS school closures, navigating the emotional and logistical turmoil with grace, ensuring that her students and families had unwavering support during an incredibly difficult time.
Following this, she became principal of Courtenay Elementary, a designated Welcoming School for students impacted by the closures on Chicago’s North Side. During her tenure at Courtenay, Dr. King’s leadership was recognized when she became a Cahn Fellow for Distinguished Educators—a program celebrating outstanding school leaders. She further exemplified her commitment to the field by earning her Doctorate in Education Leadership and completing her Superintendent's License. Under her guidance, the school added a magnet cluster comprehensive gifted program, with Dr. King obtaining her gifted endorsement alongside her teachers. Additionally, she spearheaded a successful fundraising initiative that secured the funding to build an inclusive playground for both the school community and the nearby neighborhood.
In both of these school leadership roles, Dr. King had the unique opportunity to witness firsthand the profound impact of school policies on communities across the city. Dr. King’s leadership consistently reflected her commitment to academic success and the empowerment of Chicago’s students.
In 2022, Dr. King transitioned to a key role in public service as the Senior Director of Education Policy (PK-16) in the Office of the Mayor for the City of Chicago. In this capacity, she worked on aligning resources and policy initiatives across CPS, City Colleges of Chicago, Chicago Public Libraries, and early childhood programs. Her leadership played a crucial role in shaping education budgets that reflect the city’s strategic priorities, ensuring that educational resources were directed toward the most impactful initiatives while maintaining fiscal sustainability. This included leading the reactivation of the UNCF Scholarship Campaign in Chicago, funneling over $150,000 in scholarship funding to graduating high school students from underrepresented communities. It also included finalizing a multi-year funding effort securing $41 million to transform three key schools in the West Side North Lawndale neighborhood into innovative hubs for science and arts education.
Dr. King’s incredible journey is an inspiring reflection of what can be achieved through determination, hard work, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every student. Dr. King’s story embodies resilience and empowerment, and under her leadership, CPS will shine as a beacon of hope during these challenging times. The district will remain committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, is provided the opportunity to excel.
Dr. King’s vision for Chicago Public Schools is one rooted in transparency and opportunity for all. As Interim CEO/Superintendent, she is poised to lead CPS with a focus that keeps students and families at the center of every decision. She is committed to ensuring that every student in Chicago has the tools, resources, and support needed to thrive.