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.

A judge has ordered Chicago school board members to stay away from Chicago Public Schools' ongoing contract talks with the Chicago Teachers Union, after CPS chief executive officer Pedro Martinez accused the mayor's hand-picked board members of "hijacking" negotiations.

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