CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Governor JB Pritzker has signed historic legislation creating an elected school board for Chicago Public Schools for the first time in 150 years.
It was done with no fanfare; a signature and a press release, creating a 21-member elected school board, with the first election in November 2024.
“An elected school board will help students and their families have a strong voice in important decisions about the education system in Chicago,” said Governor JB Pritzker, in a statement. “I applaud the members of the General Assembly for working together on behalf of their constituents to pass legislation that required compromise and thoughtful deliberation. I look forward to ongoing conversations with the General Assembly and mayor, in particular about the district’s finances, board members’ compensation and campaign rules.”
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has had strong objections.
The current board, appointed by the mayor, is seven members.
Under the new legislation, for terms beginning in 2025, the Chicago mayor will have the ability to appoint 11 members to the board, including the board president; while eligible Chicago residents will vote for an additional 10 members.
And after two years, those 10 and the board president will become elected positions with four year terms.
Mayor Lightfoot noted last month, the race for one school board seat in Los Angeles cost more than a million dollars.
"If we've got million-dollar races for a single seat, how does that help enhance parent engagement?" Lightfoot said.
She called the legislation “deeply flawed.”
The bill also places a moratorium on school closures and includes language to prevent individuals with conflicts of interest from serving on the board. Additionally, the legislation creates the Chicago Board of Education Diversity Advisory Board, to be appointed by the mayor, to help guide issues before the board
It's expected there will be some changes to the legislation before the first election. The bill takes effect June 1, 2022.
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