(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – The Illinois House on Thursday approved a compromise measure to phase in a fully elected Chicago Board of Education, a revised plan that doesn’t please everyone.
Under a bill already endorsed by the Senate, the school board – now fully appointed by Chicago’s mayor -- will shift to 10 elected members and ten mayoral appointees before a full transition to elected members.
“If this debate were happening a year ago, I’d still be pushing for a fully elected board,” sponsoring state Rep. Ann Williams, D-Chicago, said. “But now, with the first election just months away, CPS needs time to prepare and needs time to plan.”
State Rep. Blaine Wilhour, R-Beecher City, was the loudest voice against the bill, calling it a “Trojan horse” and a gift to the Chicago Teachers Union.
Mayor Brandon Johnson put forth the compromise, which sailed through the legislature in just three days.
With the House vote of 75-31-3, the bill awaits the governor’s action.
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