Chicago Prepares For Historic School Board Elections

Chicago School Board candidate, former principal Adam Parrott-Sheffer, center, returns home with his sons, Nicholas, 12, left, and Nathan, 14, after treating themselves to ice cream in the Hyde Park n

Chicago is gearing up for its first-ever school board elections this fall, marking a significant shift from the longstanding tradition of a mayor-appointed board overseeing the city's public schools. The upcoming November races are part of a multi-year transition that has been met with both excitement and challenges.

The new 21-member board, which is triple the current size, will bring a diverse range of candidates into the mix, including a Grammy-winning rapper, progressive activists, and leaders of community programs. The logistics of the elections have been a point of confusion for many voters, as the process involves a complex system of districts and subdistricts.

While the board won't be fully elected until 2027, residents will have the opportunity to vote for board members in 10 sprawling districts next year. The remaining 10 members will be appointed by the mayor from smaller subdistricts, along with a citywide president. In 2026, all 21 members will be elected by voters.

The move towards an elected school board gained momentum after years of advocacy, particularly following the closure of over 50 schools in 2013. Advocates see the shift as a way to bring more accountability and representation to the table, especially for communities that have been historically neglected.

Complex election process with districts and subdistricts causes confusion among voters.

Diverse candidates, including a Grammy-winning rapper, vie for positions on the 21-member board.

Partial board election in 2022, full election in 2027, aiming for more accountability.

Advocacy for elected board grew after 2013 school closures, seeking better representation.

Challenges for candidates include short campaign season, unpaid positions, and signature requirements.

Interest groups like charter schools and teachers' union influence the election landscape.

Concerns about potential political infighting and deal-making with a larger 21-member board.

Hopeful outlook for positive change and increased community engagement in Chicago's public schools.

Transition to elected board seen as a way to address historical neglect in some communities.

Overall, the shift towards an elected school board in Chicago faces excitement and challenges.

However, the transition comes with its own set of challenges. Candidates face hurdles such as a truncated campaign season, unpaid positions that require significant time commitment, and the need to collect a substantial number of signatures to get on the ballot.

Interest groups, including charter school organizations and the influential teachers' union, are already getting involved in the elections, raising questions about potential outside influences on the race. The size of the board, with 21 members, has also raised concerns about increased political infighting and deal-brokering.

Despite the complexities and uncertainties surrounding the upcoming elections, candidates and advocates are hopeful that the shift towards an elected school board will bring positive change and increased community engagement to Chicago's public school system.