CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Accessibility and transparency seem to be watchwords for the newly sworn-in Chicago Board of Education, which held its first formal board meeting on Wednesday.
“Special education will be a core focus throughout our tenure,” said Chicago school board president Jianan Shi. “It starts with the formation of the special education advisory committee and ends with growing into a district that families want to attend because of the services that CPS provides.”
Shi said some changes to board policies are immediate. Among them: Board meetings will no longer occur on Wednesdays, when they might conflict with the Chicago City Council meetings.
“This will allow members of the public, as well as City Council members and the board members, to have increased accessibility to attend both meetings,” said board member Mariela Estrada.
A new school board member, Rudy Lozano Jr., said board meetings could come to residents.
“Beginning later this year, the board will hold periodic board meetings in the community,” Lozano said. “Hosting meetings at locations across the city will create opportunities for increased public accessibility and participation, as well as provide valuable feedback to the board and the district.”
Public comment will also be expanded at future board meetings, Shi said.
In a Twitter thread following the meeting, Shi added that any answers to questions from the Agenda Review Committee meeting — which takes place the Wednesday before the school board meets — will be posted with district responses.
“Over this year, you’ll see us approve an education facilities master plan, a legislative agenda and [a] budget," said Shi. "You’ll see us in the community, at board meetings, office hours and community events. Talk to us. Engage with us.”
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