In 1872, the Chicago Board of Education was created in Illinois, with all school board members being appointed by the mayor. However, on November 5, Chicagoans will have the chance to vote for ten members of a new, 21-member school board, with the remaining 11 members still being appointed by the mayor. In two years, the board will transition to a fully elected body.
The Chicago Board of Education is responsible for setting the vision, goals, policy, budget, and leadership of the Chicago Public Schools (CPS). School board members, who do not receive payment, are expected to dedicate 25 to 30 hours a month or more to reviewing documents, meeting with parents and the community, visiting schools, and participating in public meetings.
The shift from an appointed to an elected board began in the late 80s with the Chicago School Reform Act of 1988, which partially decentralized the process. However, in 1995, the Chicago School Reform Amendatory Act gave Mayor Daley full control of the board. The recent move to a fully elected board was largely driven by grassroots efforts supported by community groups and the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), following the closure of 50 schools by former mayor Rahm Emanuel.
The mechanics of electing Chicago’s school board have been marked by intense political maneuvering, with challenges to candidates’ petition signatures resulting in a reduced pool of candidates. Interest groups such as the CTU and the Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) are actively involved in the election process, with significant financial backing. The size of the 21-member school board has raised concerns about its ability to reach consensus and govern effectively.
The upcoming election will feature candidates with diverse backgrounds, including CPS alumni, parents, and educators. One citywide slate of candidates endorsed by the CTU and other groups has emerged, with a platform focused on increasing school funding, establishing community schools, and diversifying the teaching workforce. Issues at the forefront of the election include financial stability, school safety, and improving outcomes for underserved student populations.
The process of drawing voting districts for the school board election has been contentious, with efforts to ensure fair representation reflective of CPS student demographics. Despite challenges, the election is expected to provide a platform for candidates to address key educational issues and engage with voters. Ultimately, the success of an elected school board in addressing challenges facing CPS will depend on informed and engaged participation from the community.
