School boards

The details of Chicago’s 2024 school board elections are still being hammered out by state lawmakers.

Senate Democrats put forward a plan that would allow residents in 10 of 20 districts — or only half of Chicago – to vote for school board members in 2024. Now, House Democrats want to pair the 20 districts so everyone could vote.   

State lawmakers put forward the new proposal late Friday ahead of next week’s veto session. It also creates ethics rules and a committee focused on Black student achievement.

Illinois lawmakers have released a new draft map of 20 districts for Chicago Board of Education elections. Elections for 10 of the 21 seats are set for November 2024.

As Mayor Brandon Johnson and his hand-picked school board exert their influence, charter families and advocates see challenges ahead for the sector.

State lawmakers have introduced a measure during veto session that would lift the ban on paying board members from Chicago’s elected school board.

Officials say the change was an attempt to address pay inequities.

Jianan Shi describes himself as “an immigrant that’s fallen in love with Chicago.” Here’s why he feels “the urgency of this work,” and what he plans to do about it.

The issues include the city’s precarious funding situation, enrollment shifts, and what support will look like for migrant students.

As board members introduced themselves, some noted how they’ve shifted from being vocal critics of the system to positions of power.

Jianan Shi, of the parent group Raise Your Hand, will replace departing board President Miguel del Valle. Elizabeth Todd-Breland is the only existing member who will continue on the board.

The budget will allocate roughly $4.8 billion directly to schools. District officials say more money will go to bilingual education and staffing positions that work with students with disabilities.

Though she cannot vote on board matters, Shaw will represent students at the board’s monthly meetings through next school year. She is a rising junior at Kenwood Academy High School in Hyde Park. Along with student council experience, Shaw hopes to bring her skills from debate.

Advocates expressed concerns with equitably funding schools and board members discussed long-term financial plans.

In a Wednesday letter, the advocates asked the mayor’s office to do an open call for members, increase transparency around the qualifications for selection, and outline the administration’s goals for the composition of the school board.

Illinois legislature approved a measure giving themselves more time to draw Chicago’s school board districts. Once signed by the governor, the deadline will move from July 1, 2023 to April 1, 2024 — seven months before the first elections on November 5, 2024. 

Districts for the soon-to-be-elected Chicago Board of Education must be drawn by July 1, but lawmakers could finalize a map in the coming days. Those who spoke at the latest public hearing rejected the current proposal, saying it is rushed and does not represent public school families, which are mostly Latino.

Illinois lawmakers are tasked with drawing Chicago’s elected school board map by July 1. Advocates want to see state officials ensure that Latino families are fairly represented and able to vote for school board members.

The proposal divides the city into 20 districts, seven majority white, seven majority Black, and six majority Latino. It’s based on the city’s population, which is 33% white, not the school district’s, which is  46.5% Latino and 36% Black.

The board will go from seven members appointed by the mayor to 10 elected and 11 appointed. By 2027, a full-elected 21-member school board will be in place.