Illinois Senate seeks public input as it creates new Chicago elected school board districts

Chicago Public Schools headquarters
A sign is displayed at the entrance of the headquarters for Chicago Public Schools on January 05, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. Photo credit (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Illinois General Assembly needs to draw new elected school board districts for Chicago by July 1.

It comes as the Chicago Board of Education transitions from mayoral appointments to being fully elected over the next two years.

A special committee will be holding citywide hearings over the next couple of weeks to hear from parents, educators and community groups.

“As we work to ensure the leadership of our state’s largest school district reflects the diversity of our neighborhoods, it’s important for community members to make sure their voices are heard throughout this process,” said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford, who is serving as chair of the committee.

The hearing schedule includes the following meetings:

--April 5, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., George Westinghouse College Prep, 3223 W. Franklin Blvd

--April 6, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Imani Village, 400 W. 95th Street

--April 12, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Avenue

--April 13, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th Street

--April 17, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Virtual Hearing

In addition to providing testimony, Chicago residents can draw and submit their own proposed district boundaries through an online map making portal at ILSenateRedistricting.com

Ten members of the Chicago Board of Education will be elected by voters in November of 2024.

Featured Image Photo Credit: (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)