Campaign Focused on Improving Neighborhood Schools
Chicago Teachers Union-backed candidate Yesenia Lopez prevailed in the school board District 7 race, according to the Associated Press, ahead of stay-at-home parents Eva Villalobos and Raquel Don, ending an expensive campaign.
Candidates and Background
Lopez, an executive assistant in the office of the Illinois Secretary of State, has worked with several area schools. Don and Villalobos are stay-at-home parents who volunteer at schools, and Don serves on two Local School Councils. Don is a parent of Chicago Public Schools students, and Lopez and Villalobos are CPS graduates.
Race and Campaign Funding
The race and campaigns were marked — and funded — by the Chicago Teachers Union and the Illinois Network of Charter Schools, which has financially backed Villalobos.
Lopez’s Victory
Lopez’s victory is a win for CTU, which had endorsed candidates all 10 districts and had hopes for a strong presence on the new board.
Campaign Platforms and Issues
Lopez focused largely on improving neighborhood schools so families don’t feel the need to seek out charter or selective enrollment schools, setting her apart from her opponents, who both supported school choice. She campaigned on the issue of improving dual-language learning in the district, where many students are English language learners.
Post-Election Statements
“It was not Yesenia on the ballot, it was the community on the ballot,” she said Tuesday night at the CTU election party. She warned that their work was not over, pointing out the money that poured into the school board election from out of state.
Conclusion
Yesenia Lopez’s win in the CPS School Board District 7 race is a significant victory for the Chicago Teachers Union and for the community. Her focus on improving neighborhood schools and supporting dual-language learning will likely have a positive impact on the district. As she begins her term, Lopez will face numerous challenges, including addressing the district’s budget deficit and improving student outcomes. However, her commitment to the community and her platform will likely serve as a strong foundation for her tenure on the board.
FAQs
* Who is Yesenia Lopez? Yesenia Lopez is the winner of the CPS School Board District 7 race.
* What was the main issue Yesenia Lopez campaigned on? Yesenia Lopez campaigned on improving neighborhood schools and supporting dual-language learning.
* What was the outcome of the election? Yesenia Lopez won the election, defeating opponents Eva Villalobos and Raquel Don.
* Who endorsed Yesenia Lopez? The Chicago Teachers Union endorsed Yesenia Lopez.
