Chicago Teachers Union-backed community organizer Ebony DeBerry wins North Side District 2 school board race
A Landslide Victory in the Most Expensive School Board Election in the City’s History
Chicago Teachers Union-backed community organizer Ebony DeBerry prevailed in the crowded 2nd District school board election, according to the Associated Press, surpassing three other candidates in the most expensive race in the city’s inaugural school board election.
A Message of Unity and Progress
DeBerry became emotional as she spoke to supporters Tuesday night at the union’s headquarters.
“I’ve just been loved and supported by so many people in this room,” she said. “We did it. Thank you, thank you.”
DeBerry reiterated to supporters that she believes schools should be fully funded and should have access to things like English-learning programs and libraries. She had a message for those who she said want to privatize schools: “Not on my watch.”
A Complex Election with Diverse Candidates
Four candidates had gone head-to-head in the district that encompasses Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, Peterson Park, Budlong Woods and Andersonville, along with the Far North Side communities of Edgewater, Rogers Park and West Ridge. The district is perhaps the city’s most ethnically diverse and mixes some wealthy neighborhoods with more working-class and immigrant populations.
In other districts, there was a straightforward battle between the CTU and opposition groups. In the 2nd District, the number of candidates made the race a bit more complicated.
The Candidates
DeBerry, 47, a former Chicago Public Schools teacher who was raised in Rogers Park, was supported by CTU and affiliated progressive groups.
Margaret “Maggie” Cullerton Hooper, 43, is a senior consultant with the Alliance for Black Equality political action committee and previously worked in city government. Cullerton Hooper was endorsed by some labor unions. Her father is retired former Illinois Senate President John Cullerton.
Kate Doyle, 35, leads a nonprofit that supports low-income young adults with free career training and job placement. Endorsed by a smattering of smaller groups, Doyle had billed herself as an independent progressive option.
Bruce Leon, 62, recently sold a human resources company he founded. He self-funded his campaign but was also backed by Urban Center Action and the Illinois Policy PAC — groups that support school choice, oppose the CTU and are largely backed by wealthy business leaders and some billionaires.
They collectively amassed $1.1 million.
A Divided but United Front
DeBerry, Cullerton Hooper, and Doyle were more closely aligned than Leon — but their views still differed in some significant ways.
Conclusion
Ebony DeBerry’s victory in the 2nd District school board election is a testament to the power of grassroots organizing and community engagement. As a former teacher and community organizer, DeBerry is well-positioned to advocate for the needs of students, teachers, and families in the district.
FAQs
Q: What was the outcome of the 2nd District school board election?
A: Ebony DeBerry won the election, surpassing three other candidates.
Q: How much money was spent in the 2nd District school board election?
A: The four candidates collectively spent $1.1 million.
Q: What were the main issues in the election?
A: The candidates debated issues like school funding, privatization, and labor rights.
Q: Who endorsed Ebony DeBerry?
A: DeBerry was endorsed by the Chicago Teachers Union and affiliated progressive groups.
