By Townhall Chicago News Staff
The Chicago Board of Education on Thursday approved two central office appointments aimed at strengthening academic programs and equity initiatives across Chicago Public Schools.
The moves install experienced district insiders in roles that influence curriculum, classroom instruction and resource allocation for more than 315,000 students in the nation’s third-largest school district.
Evangelina Covarrubias was named chief equity officer and Dr. Marilou Rebolledo was named chief teaching and learning officer, according to an Oct. 23 CPS news release.
“Both these leaders bring a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to fostering an environment where every student can thrive,” CPS CEO and Superintendent Dr. Macquline King said in the release. “Their strategic vision and dedication will play a vital role in enhancing our schools and empowering our students for success in all aspects of their lives.”
Covarrubias, a Chicago native raised in the Little Village community, has served as acting chief equity officer and helped establish the CPS Office of Equity in 2018. She co-authored the district’s first comprehensive Equity Framework, engaging more than 5,000 stakeholders in its development, according to the release. Her work has also supported approximately 70,000 English Learners through the Office of Multilingual and Multicultural Education.
Covarrubias holds degrees from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Concordia University and Chicago State University.
Rebolledo brings more than 30 years of education experience to her post. A first-generation, low-income college student who grew up in the Philippines before migrating to Guam, she has held roles at CPS ranging from National Board-Certified Teacher to assistant principal, principal and chief of schools for Network 2, according to the release.
“In her position as chief teaching and learning officer, Dr. Rebolledo aims to enhance the District’s core commitments, encouraging leaders to develop joyful, high-quality, rigorous, and equitable educational experiences throughout CPS,” the release said.
Rebolledo earned a doctorate in educational administration and supervision from Loyola University Chicago. She is also a parent of two CPS graduates.
The appointments arrive as the district navigates significant fiscal pressures. CPS presented a balanced fiscal year 2027 budget in July that closed a $732 million deficit while maintaining classroom resources and increasing special education funding. District leaders have also pressed state lawmakers for more equitable funding, noting that CPS schools receive only 70 percent of what the state considers adequate.
Thursday’s announcement is the third round of leadership appointments CPS has made in 2026. In April, the board approved executive appointments, and in August it filled four additional leadership posts including chiefs for the Office of Multilingual-Multicultural Education, Intergovernmental Affairs and two school networks.
King was selected as superintendent in March following a national search, and the leadership restructuring has continued under her direction.
The board’s next regular meeting has not yet been announced. Information about CPS leadership and district initiatives is available at cps.edu.
