During the late 1990s and 2000s, Paul Vallas gained a national reputation as one of the most innovative and successful educators in the country. In 1995 Mayor Richard M. Daley appointed him to serve as the Chief Executive Officer for the Chicago Public School district. In 2002 he ran unsuccessfully for governor as a Democrat , being defeated by Rod Blagojevich in a close primary race. He then headed up the Philadelphia Public School District, followed by rebuilding the hurricane battered New Orleans Public School district. From 2011 to 2014 he served in the same capacity for the Bridgeport, CN school district, leaving in that year to run unsuccessfully as Gov. Pat Quinn's Lt. Governor candidate.
Interview Links
Feature Excerpt
A solution for everything
Abstract
Interview Session 1 - Audio
Early years, education, and early college years
Interview Session 2 - Audio
Western IL University, ROTC and IL Senate Revenue Committee
Interview Session 3 - Audio
Experience in the Illinois Legislature and as Chicago Revenue Director
Interview Session 4 - Audio
Experiences as Chicago’s budget director during Richard M. Daley tenure
Interview Session 5 - Audio
Early years as CEO of the Chicago Public Schools, 1995-1996
Interview Session 6 - Audio
Experiences as CEO of Chicago Public Schools, 1996-June 2001
Interview Session 7 - Audio
Democratic primary race for governor in 2002 and loss to Blagojevich
Interview Session 8 - Audio
Experiences rebuilding schools following Hurricane Katrina and as Chief Executive Officer for Philadelphia schools
Interview Session 9 - Audio
Bridgeport CT Superintendent and post-earthquake work in Chile and Haiti
Interview Session 10 - Audio
Educational planning for Bureau of Indian Education and U.S. Bureau of Prisons, & reflections on impact on education & Chicago politics due to COVID-19
Photos
Caption:
Paul Vallas, 2nd from right, was CEO of Chicago Public Schools in the late 1990s when he spoke at a Tutor/Mentor Connection event for the Chicago Fire Department Academy.
Where:
Chicago, Illinois
When:
Late 1990s
Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Caption:
A photo of Paul Vallas at the time he was running for governor circa 2002. He was defeated in the Democratic primary by Rod Blagojevich.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Circa 2002
Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Caption:
Paul and Sharon Vallas on the campaign trail during his 2002 campaign as a Democratic candidate for governor. This was on the heals of a highly successful tenure as CEO of the Chicago Public Schools from 1995 to 2001.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Circa 2002
Ownership:
Photograph by AP/Worldwide Photos. May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Caption:
Paul Vallas, center, appeared with fellow Democratic gubernatorial candidates Rod Blagojevich and Roland Burris, appeared on Chicago Tonight in early 2002.
Where:
Chicago, Illinois
When:
2002
Ownership:
From Chicago Sun-Times article on Feb 4, 2018. May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Caption:
Paul Vallas, circa 2017, early in his unsuccessful campaign for mayor of Chicago. He was one of the first to announce his candidacy, but many others joined the race after Rahm Emmanuel announced he was not running for reelection.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Circa 2017
Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.