Carlos Rivas Jr. Wins Near North Side District 3 Chicago School Board Seat
A Divisive Campaign Comes to an End
Carlos Rivas Jr. has emerged victorious in the highly contested race for the Chicago School Board’s District 3 seat, defeating Jason Dónes in a campaign marked by significant spending from opposing groups. According to results from the Associated Press, Rivas won the election with a majority of the vote.
A Tale of Two Campaigns
The race was characterized by big money pouring in from both sides, with the Chicago Teachers Union and business and charter school interests backing their respective candidates. The majority-Hispanic district, which comprises 55 schools in Avondale, Logan Square, Belmont Gardens, Belmont Cragin, Hanson Park, and Hermosa on the Near Northwest Side, as well as Humboldt Park on the West Side, was the focus of this intense campaign.
Candidates’ Backgrounds
Both Rivas and Dónes, who are 34 and 36 years old, respectively, have strong ties to the Chicago Public Schools system. Rivas currently directs public affairs for the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, while Dónes has also worked for the school district. The two candidates are lifelong residents of Humboldt Park, where they still reside today.
Rivas’ Platform
Rivas’ campaign was supported by the Illinois Network of Charter Schools, Urban Center Action, and the Illinois Policy PAC, organizations that advocate for school choice and are often at odds with the Chicago Teachers Union. In a statement, Rivas said, “I want to ensure that every kid has that educator in front of them who loves and cares about them and wants them to succeed.” He acknowledged that building consensus on the board will be a challenge, but remained committed to his vision for the district.
What’s Next?
With Rivas’ victory, the stage is set for a potentially contentious school board, with Rivas and other newly elected members taking office in the coming weeks. The outcome of this election has significant implications for the future of education in Chicago, and it remains to be seen how Rivas will navigate the complex web of interests and alliances in the years to come.
FAQs
* What is the significance of this election result?
The election of Carlos Rivas Jr. to the Chicago School Board’s District 3 seat marks a significant shift in the balance of power on the board, with potential implications for education policy and the future of the Chicago Public Schools system.
* What were the key issues in this campaign?
The campaign was marked by big money pouring in from opposing groups, with the Chicago Teachers Union and business and charter school interests backing their respective candidates. The candidates also focused on issues such as education reform, school choice, and unionization.
* What is the significance of the Illinois Network of Charter Schools’ endorsement of Rivas?
The endorsement from the Illinois Network of Charter Schools, a group that supports school choice and is often at odds with the Chicago Teachers Union, suggests that Rivas may be more open to alternative educational models and less likely to support the union’s interests.
