Mayor Brandon Johnson’s handpicked school board was blocked from modifying Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez’s duties by a Cook County Judge on Tuesday, giving the embattled schools chief a victory as he battles with City Hall over the district’s future.

The Chicago Public Schools Board’s vote last week to fire CEO Pedro Martinez triggered a power struggle within the third-largest school district in the country.

The Chicago school board is meeting Friday to consider firing district CEO Pedro Martinez after months of speculation about his future driven by a conflict with Mayor Brandon Johnson. A board agenda posted Wednesday evening lists two agenda items: approving Martinez’s termination and approving a settlement agreement. No other details are included.

Several City Council members have called the school board's vote to fire Martinez without cause reckless and irresponsible.

The Chicago Board of Education voted Friday to fire Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez, clearing the way for the mayor to install a new leader after a monthslong power struggle.

The CPS board’s vote last week to fire CEO Pedro Martinez triggered a power struggle within the district. It is especially surprising that one of the first federal agencies to come under scrutiny from the incoming administration is one that has returned billions of dollars to many of the same consumers who were counting on leaders in Washington to look out for their wallets.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez accused school board members of "hijacking" negotiations and trying to intimidate his team.

Attorneys for Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez are in court Tuesday, for a hearing to fight his recent firing by the CPS School Board.

Martinez's lawyer says he is asking a judge to guarantee that no one can stand in the way of Martinez doing his job while he is still in office.

Cook County Judge Joel Chupack Tuesday afternoon ruled that Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez has a legally protected interest to continue negotiating current teachers contract without interference from Mayor Brandon Johnson’s handpicked school board.