Meet The People Running For Chicago’s School Board Election In District 1
Who Is Jennifer Custer?
Jennifer Custer is a Chicago Public Schools mom and educator who has taught middle school for over a decade. A native of West Bend, Wisconsin, Custer was inspired to become a teacher by her late grandmother, who would bring her old school papers and grade books home and play teacher with her stuffed animals. After leaving the classroom to raise her two children, Custer is now running for the Chicago School Board to ensure her kids and all kids in Chicago have a positive experience at school.
Who Is Michelle N. Pierre?
Michelle N. Pierre is a Chicago Public Schools mom and educator who has spent her career improving outcomes for students in diverse communities. As a first-generation college student, Pierre was the first Black teacher at her alma mater and later became a principal through New Leaders for New Schools. She launched a Spanish immersion program at Tyler Elementary School in Washington, D.C. and turned the school around, making it the fastest-growing school in the district. Pierre also served as the chief academic officer for Cleveland Metro Schools and the chief of schools at the LEARN Charter School Network in Chicago. If elected to the school board, Pierre said she’s well-equipped to work with people of different viewpoints and is dedicated to improving outcomes for all students.
District 1 Overview
District 1 is home to many city workers, including teachers and police officers who are required to live in Chicago as a term of their employment. The area is also unique in that the suburb of Norridge sits within the boundaries. Norridge has two school districts – one elementary district with two schools and another with one high school.
Campaign Contributions
Jennifer Custer’s campaign has raised more than $35,000 as of early September, with her husband’s political action committee and the Chicago Teachers Union’s political arm contributing to her efforts. Michelle Pierre’s campaign has raised about $20,000, with donations from the Leadership for Educational Equity political action committee and Jim Frank, a former CEO of Wheels, Inc. and longtime political donor.
Top Issues
Both Custer and Pierre have identified budget and school choice as top issues for families and residents in District 1. Custer’s top priorities, if elected, are balancing the CPS budget, improving achievement, and improving school facilities. Pierre’s top priorities include balancing the budget, improving achievement, and increasing school choice.
Conclusion
The candidates running for the Chicago School Board election in District 1 have unique backgrounds and experiences that would bring a fresh perspective to the school board. Both Jennifer Custer and Michelle Pierre have a passion for improving education outcomes for all students, and their commitment to ensuring a positive experience at school is evident. The outcome of this election will depend on the choices made by the voters of District 1, but one thing is certain – the future of Chicago’s education system depends on the quality of the leaders we elect.
FAQs
Q: What are the top issues for families and residents in District 1?
A: Budget and school choice are the top issues for families and residents in District 1.
Q: What are Jennifer Custer’s top priorities, if elected?
A: Balancing the CPS budget, improving achievement, and improving school facilities.
Q: What are Michelle Pierre’s top priorities, if elected?
A: Balancing the budget, improving achievement, and increasing school choice.
Q: What are the campaign contributions for each candidate?
A: Jennifer Custer’s campaign has raised more than $35,000, with contributions from her husband’s political action committee and the Chicago Teachers Union’s political arm. Michelle Pierre’s campaign has raised about $20,000, with contributions from the Leadership for Educational Equity political action committee and Jim Frank, a former CEO of Wheels, Inc. and longtime political donor.
