Chicago Public Schools Strengthens Leadership Team with Key Executive Appointments

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CHICAGO- The Chicago Board of Education announced on Thursday the approval of two key leadership appointments, reinforcing the District's commitment to academic excellence and operational stability. By promoting experienced administrators from within, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is prioritizing continuity and deep institutional knowledge to drive the next phase of strategic work on behalf of the more than 315,000 CPS students and their families.

These appointments place proven leaders in critical roles that directly influence District-wide operations and student achievement. Each leader has demonstrated a strong track record of advancing educational equity and brings a clear vision for improving outcomes across diverse school communities.

"CPS benefits greatly from the dedication and expertise of the outstanding professionals stepping into these critical leadership roles," said Interim CPS CEO/ Superintendent Dr. Macquline King. "Their leadership will strengthen support for our schools to ensure our students have every opportunity to succeed in college, career and civic life."

New Executive Appointments

• Elizabeth K. Barton, Esq.: General Counsel for the Board of Education

• Dr. Karime Asaf, Ed.D.: Chief Education Officer (CEdO)

Elizabeth K. Barton-General Counsel for the Board of Education

The Chicago Board of Education has officially appointed Elizabeth Barton as the General Counsel for the Board. Ms. Barton has been with CPS for more than seven years and has served as the acting general counsel since August 2025. Prior to that, she held the position of managing deputy general counsel for more than two years, overseeing three legal practice areas within the Board of Education's law department: Litigation, Transactions, and Investigations. In this role, Ms. Barton provided the Board, the chief executive officer, and senior District leadership with effective legal advice on organizational and risk management strategies, as well as their implementation and legal strategy. She also regularly provided client counseling on employment law and civil rights matters.

Before serving as managing deputy general counsel, Ms. Barton worked as an assistant deputy general counsel, where she managed the federal litigation unit in the Board's Law Department. In this capacity, she represented the Board and its employees in cases filed in the Northern District of Illinois, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and administrative agencies, focusing on areas such as Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, employment discrimination, civil rights, due process, and general torts. Ms. Barton served as lead counsel in federal litigation filed against the District, as well as lead trial counsel on jury and bench trials on behalf of the Board and District leaders, securing several defense verdicts. Ms. Barton began her career with the District as a senior assistant general counsel, supervising a federal litigation unit.

Prior to joining the District, Ms. Barton spent 11 years in private practice, representing local government entities in litigation including police departments, school districts, park districts, and municipal governments. Ms. Barton also taught appellate advocacy for two years as an adjunct professor at the University of Illinois Law School.

Ms. Barton earned a J.D. from the University of Illinois Chicago Law School, previously known as The John Marshall Law School, where she served as an editor on the law review. She holds a B.B.A. in business management and organizations from The University of Iowa. Ms. Barton was certified as a mediator in 2024 through the Center for Conflict Resolution. She serves as a mentor for law students and young lawyers through both the Chicago and Federal Bar Associations. Ms. Barton is also on the Executive Committee of the Federal Bar Association - Chicago Chapter, currently serving a term as treasurer. She is a frequent presenter at legal conferences on topics such as compliance, alternative dispute resolution, litigation strategy, and risk mitigation.

In her personal time, you can find Ms. Barton and her husband on the baseball fields cheering on their teenage son, along with their three beloved English bulldogs.

Dr. Karime Asaf, Ed.D.- Chief Education Officer (CEdO)

Dr. Karime Asaf brings more than 30 years of experience to the role of Chief Education Officer. Her career, which began in the classroom, has been defined by a commitment to equitable leadership and inclusive education. Having served as a bilingual teacher, special education case manager, principal, and most recently as the Chief of the Office of Multilingual-Multicultural Education (OMME), Dr. Asaf possesses a comprehensive understanding of the District's diverse needs.

Throughout her career, Dr. Asaf has occupied several senior leadership positions within CPS, including principal, network chief of schools, and, most recently, chief of the Office of Multilingual-Multicultural Education (OMME) where she has overseen the educational experience of English Learners across the District, ensuring access to rigorous and culturally-responsive programming. Dr. Asaf leads initiatives that support newcomer students and their families, collaborating closely with the Mayor's Office Teams, central office staff, school leaders, and community partners to expand access to resources and opportunities for multilingual learners. Her work empowers students to engage fully in their education while embracing and developing their multilingual skills.

Dr. Asaf also played a pivotal role in shaping the District's Success 2029: Together We Rise strategic plan, where she established the Multilingual Pathways priority. Her executive leadership portfolio includes curriculum and assessment alignment, state and federal compliance, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic budget management.

Prior to her role as OMME chief, she served as chief of schools for Network 4, leading school transformation efforts and principal development across 34 elementary schools. As deputy chief of schools for Network 7, she provided differentiated leadership coaching, conducted instructional core walks, and advanced equity through her work as a GEM Mentor.

Earlier in her career, Dr. Asaf transformed West Park Academy into a STEAM-focused campus while serving as principal. At Bernhard Moos Elementary, she expanded academic opportunities by introducing International Baccalaureate programs, establishing a Dual Language program, and embedding inclusive special education practices throughout the school community.

Dr. Asaf holds a Doctorate in educational leadership from DePaul University, a Master's in reading and learning disabilities, and a Bachelor's degree in elementary and bilingual education from Northeastern Illinois University. She holds Illinois State credentials in administration, special education, and elementary education.

As a proud immigrant from Colombia, Dr. Asaf is also a dedicated mother and grandmother, and her personal journey fuels her unwavering commitment to educational equity and opportunity.

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