CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Cook County Board Member Brandon Johnson said he’s deciding whether to launch a campaign against incumbent Mayor Lori Lightfoot in the race for Chicago mayor.
He, and others, clashed with her before in the fight over an elected school board — and won.
Lightfoot campaigned promising an elected school board in Chicago, but she opposed giving up the control after she got into office.
Johnson was among those pushing for a state law that would mandate an elected board.
“The handpicked school board has been an abysmal failure in this city,” Johnson said. “It has made us more stratified. It has pushed out veteran teachers, particularly Black women. It has caused tremendous harm and turmoil.”
Despite the mayor’s opposition, the legislation was passed and signed by the governor. Commissioner — and possible mayoral candidate — Johnson said it’s what the school system needs.
“What you need is a more collaborative approach with professionals who do the work with parents, who live the work and live in these communities, to address equity in a far more imaginative way,” Johnson said.
Johnson has been a member of the Chicago Teachers Union.
Johnson is the guest on WBBM’s “At Issue” program this weekend and you can hear more at 9:30 Sunday evening.
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