Entire Chicago School Board Is Resigning, Says Mayor Johnson

A Massive Move

In a major overhaul, the entire Chicago School Board is resigning, paving the way for a transition to a hybrid elected and appointed school board. Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the move, stating that the transition will allow for a fresh start as the city prepares to reshape how education is governed.

Thank You from the CEO

CPS CEO Pedro Martinez thanked the outgoing board members for their vision and leadership, expressing his gratitude for their dedication and service. "I want to take this opportunity to thank all seven of these individuals for their vision and their leadership," Martinez wrote in a letter. "I am sincerely grateful to each one of these dedicated, civic-minded public servants who have volunteered their time, their expertise, their experience, and their energy to supporting our system and serving more than 324,000 students."

Elected and Appointed School Board Members to Shape Immediate Future

The Chicago Board of Education is undergoing a significant transformation, expanding from 7 mayor-appointed members to 21 elected members by 2027. This new structure also introduces a Non-Citizen Advisory Board and a Black Student Achievement Committee to ensure broader representation and input.

Voters to Elect First 10 School Board Members on Nov. 5

Chicago voters will elect the first 10 members of the new board on November 5, 2024, while the mayor will appoint 11 others.

Early Voting Has Started with Multiple Locations Open

Early voting began on October 3, with two main locations available to residents from all 50 city wards, as well as additional early voting sites in each ward opening on October 21.

More Than Just the Presidential Election is at Stake

Voters should remember that while the presidential election may be the headline, the school board race is an essential part of the ballot and will shape the future of public education in the city.

Conclusion

The resignations of the entire Chicago School Board mark a significant step towards a new era of governance in the city’s public education system. The transition to a hybrid elected and appointed board will allow for a fresh start and a more representative governing body. As voters prepare to elect the first 10 members of the new board on November 5, it is essential to recognize the importance of this race and the impact it will have on the future of public education in Chicago.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why are all the members of the Chicago School Board resigning?
  • The entire Chicago School Board is resigning to make way for a transition to a hybrid elected and appointed school board, which will allow for a fresh start and a more representative governing body.
• What is the significance of this transition?
  • The transition will introduce a new structure, with 21 elected members by 2027, a Non-Citizen Advisory Board, and a Black Student Achievement Committee, ensuring broader representation and input.
• When will voters elect the first 10 members of the new board?
  • Voters will elect the first 10 members of the new board on November 5, 2024, while the mayor will appoint 11 others.