CPS School Board: The race in the Near Northwest Side’s District 3
The race to represent the Northwest Side’s 3rd District on Chicago’s new school board has turned into a polarizing showdown between progressive groups and more conservative business and charter school interests that want to blunt the power of the teachers union.
The majority-Hispanic district is home to 55 schools in Avondale, Logan Square, Belmont Gardens, Belmont Cragin, Hanson Park, and Hermosa on the Near Northwest Side, along with Humboldt Park on the West Side.
The Candidates
Two candidates, Jason Dónes, 36, and Carlos Rivas Jr., 34, both grew up and still live in Humboldt Park. Both have worked in education and for Chicago Public Schools. Dónes is the chief of people and operations at Beyond100K, a nonprofit dedicated to ending the STEM teacher shortage in America, and Rivas directs public affairs for the Civilian Office of Police Accountability.
Independence
In response to a Chicago Sun-Times/WBEZ/Chalkbeat questionnaire, Dónes wrote that the board will "have the responsibility to showcase accountability to the public. I will work to understand the hopes and needs of all invested groups, but my first responsibility is to the students and working-class families of the district." Rivas said "board independence is important to the long-term success of the district. My goal is to increase meaningful community engagement to bring families along in board decisions. It is important that my constituents’ needs are represented at the board."
School Policy
Their policy ideas largely align to the sides of the education debate from which they’re getting their support. Dónes wants to limit the use of standardized tests, while Rivas wants to test more than once a year. Dónes thinks schools should select from a certain curriculum authorized by the school board, but Rivas wants lots of options.
CEO Martinez and the Mayor
What about the recent disputes between Mayor Brandon Johnson and CPS CEO Pedro Martinez? Rivas said he opposes a short-term loan to fill the school system’s budget deficit. And he said he would keep Martinez on the job. "Our school system absolutely needs stability at a time when we are facing these structural deficits," Rivas said at a recent Chalkbeat Chicago forum. "I believe CEO Martinez inherited a system that needs his leadership, and I want to be able to see him through his full contract." Dónes does not think Martinez should stay. "I don’t know him… But something is not working. And if we need to shuffle leadership and make sense of what that right team is to align on a vision, then that’s kind of just where we are. The point we’ve gotten to tells me it’s too messy to get back from it."
Conclusion
The November 5 election will decide who will represent the Near Northwest Side’s District 3 on the Chicago Public Schools board. Jason Dónes and Carlos Rivas Jr. have distinct ideas about how to approach education policy, with Dónes leaning towards limiting standardized tests and Rivas advocating for more testing and school choice. The outcome will have a significant impact on the direction of education in the district and the city as a whole.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary issue at stake in this election?
A: The main issue is the direction of education policy in the Near Northwest Side’s District 3, with candidates Jason Dónes and Carlos Rivas Jr. representing different views on issues such as standardized testing, curriculum, and school choice.
Q: What are the differences between the two candidates’ views on policy?
A: The most significant differences are in their stances on standardized testing, curriculum, and school choice, with Dónes advocating for limiting testing and providing more support for neighborhood schools, and Rivas supporting more frequent testing and school choice.
Q: How much money has each candidate received in campaign contributions?
A: As of November 5, Jason Dónes’ campaign has received $196,962 in direct contributions and $85,205 in in-kind contributions, with the majority of the money coming from the CTU and allied community groups. Carlos Rivas Jr.’s campaign has received $66,000 in direct contributions, largely from the Illinois Network of Charter Schools, Urban Center Action, and Illinois Policy PAC. Super PACs affiliated with these groups have also provided nearly $220,000 in support for Rivas.
