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 Cook County judge ruled in favor of embattled Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez, stating that school board members cannot participate in negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union unless invited by Martinez to do so.

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.

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.

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.