A First for Chicago: An Elected CPS School Board

Voters Get a Direct Say in Chicago’s School Board Elections

As you walk around Chicago this fall, you might notice something never seen in the city before: campaign yard signs of people vying for seats on Chicago’s school board. Voters are finally getting a direct say on who sits on the Chicago Board of Education after 30 years of mayoral control that followed decades of a nomination process to pick board members.

The race has attracted a diverse group of candidates, from a long-time activist who fought for the elected board to former principals and a Grammy-award winning rapper. There are also some parents frustrated with their kids’ experiences and want better results.

Rise of the Elected Board

The school board election is the result of years of activism born out of frustration from community members who felt ignored as dramatic changes happened at their local schools. Opposition to the mayoral-appointed board reached a fever pitch in 2013 after former Mayor Rahm Emanuel and his board closed 50 schools with low enrollment, despite pleas from students, parents, and teachers to spare their schools.

But it took another eight years for a law creating an elected board to pass. Then, last spring state lawmakers approved the district voting maps. That meant candidates had to rush to gather signatures and get on the ballot by a June deadline.

Concerns Over Representation and Campaign Donations

There are concerns that the hurried timetable, along with the newness of the race, has left many Chicagoans unaware that a school board election is even happening. The school board will go from 7 to 21 members, an amount some fear will be unwieldy. For the first two years, from 2025 through 2027, 10 members will be elected, while 11 will still be appointed by the mayor, including the board president. In Nov. 2026, 20 members plus the president will be elected.

Many hope the change will create a board that is more responsive to the needs and desires of parents and residents. But some are holding their breath, worried an elected school board will be messy and stand in the way of progress.

Will the Board be Representative?

A major concern revolves around representation — that the board members won’t be elected to represent children in CPS schools, but rather the larger community, including private school parents, young professionals, and retirees. The advocacy group Kids First Chicago said parent focus groups and a poll show that most people want the board to reflect the makeup of the student body — almost 90% kids of color — more than the city, which is about one-third white.

There is particular concern that Latinos will be underrepresented. Latino students make up nearly half of all CPS students, but only three of the 10 districts on the ballot this fall are majority Latino and just six of the 20 districts for the 2026 election.

What Role are Campaign Donations Playing?

Another major concern is that outside influences will seep into the school board race, overshadowing the needs of regular people. In other cities with elected school boards, like Los Angeles, supporters of school choice, such as charter schools, and labor unions have poured in money.

And it is happening here. Chicago’s school board race is attracting big money. The Chicago Teachers Union and progressives, including Bernie Sanders’ organization, have endorsed candidates. On the other side, the Illinois Network of Charter Schools, along with newly formed conservative organizations, have drawn millions to support candidates. Some of these groups are most interested in defeating candidates backed by the Chicago Teachers Union. They think the union has too much power, especially after getting Mayor Brandon Johnson, a former CTU organizer, elected.

Conclusion

The first election of the Chicago Public Schools board marks a significant shift in the way the district is governed. While there are concerns about representation and the role of campaign donations, the election offers a chance for communities to have a direct say in the decisions that affect their children’s education.

FAQs

* What is the purpose of the school board election?
The election is designed to give communities a direct say in the governance of Chicago Public Schools.
* Who is running in the school board election?
Thirty-one candidates are vying for 20 seats on the Chicago Board of Education.
* How will the board be composed?
The board will consist of 20 elected members, with 10 to be elected in 2024 and 10 more in 2026, as well as 11 appointed members, including the board president.
* What is the goal of the election?
The goal is to create a more responsive and representative board that reflects the needs and desires of parents and residents.
* How much money has been raised in the school board election?
Candidates have gathered more than $3 million in contributions and in-kind donations.