Carlos Rivas Jr. Wins Chicago School Board District 3 on the Northwest Side
A Polarized Race with Large Donations
Carlos Rivas Jr. defeated Jason Dones to win the Chicago School Board District 3 seat in a polarized race marked by large donations in support of staunchly opposed groups, according to Associated Press results. Big money poured into Northwest and West Side races in one of the closest battles between the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and business and charter school interests in the inaugural election of the city school board.
A Majority-Latino District
The majority-Latino district is home to 55 schools in Avondale, Logan Square, Belmont Gardens, Belmont Cragin, Hanson Park, and Hermosa on the Northwest Side, along with Humboldt Park on the West Side. The two candidates, Dones, 36, and Rivas, 34, grew up and still live in Humboldt Park and both have worked for Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Rivas directs public affairs for the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA).
Candidates’ Platforms
“I want to make sure that every child has an educator by their side who appreciates them, cares about them and wants them to succeed,” Rivas said at a Chicago Democrats for Education party Tuesday night. Rivas said it will be difficult to build consensus on the board. It was endorsed and financially supported by the political arm of the Illinois Charter School Network, Urban Center Action, and Illinois Policy PAC, groups that support school choice, oppose CTU, and are largely backed by wealthy business leaders and some billionaires.
Conclusion
The election results mark a significant victory for Rivas, who will now join the Chicago School Board. The board faces numerous challenges, including funding and resource allocation, as well as navigating the complexities of education policy. Rivas’ win is a testament to the importance of grassroots organizing and community engagement in shaping the future of Chicago’s education system.
FAQs
Q: Who is Carlos Rivas Jr.?
A: Carlos Rivas Jr. is a 34-year-old candidate who grew up and still lives in Humboldt Park. He has worked for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and directs public affairs for the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA).
Q: What were the main issues in the election?
A: The election was marked by large donations in support of staunchly opposed groups, with the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and business and charter school interests vying for control.
Q: What are the implications of Rivas’ win?
A: Rivas’ win signals a significant shift in the balance of power on the Chicago School Board, with potential implications for education policy and resource allocation in the city.
