Voting for Chicago's School Board: What You Need to Know

This year, Chicago voters will do something new on their ballots: choose 10 members for the Chicago Board of Education. The board is tripling in size from seven to 21, and soon all members will be voted in by the people, not just picked by the mayor. Why the change? After years of pressure, state legislators made it happen in 2021. But the race is heating up this year with a mayor linked to the teachers' union and a former board resigning over budget disputes. So, what's the big deal? Money and politics are stealing the spotlight from real issues. Shannon Bennett from the Kenwood Oakland Community Organization says we should talk more about important stuff like not having enough textbooks, poor pay for school nurses, and bad school lunches. The election timing is different too. With a president running for re-election, voter turnout might be high but tricky to predict. Money is pouring in, with over 30 candidates spending big bucks. Groups supporting different education models are backing different candidates and spending millions on ads. Some even have ties to national politics. The new board will have serious jobs, like hiring or firing the Chicago Public Schools chief and approving the budget. The current mayor, a former teacher, is in a standoff with the schools chief over money, and a recent board resignation has everyone talking. The election is creating buzz. People who don't usually care about school board decisions are paying attention. The new board will tackle big issues, like what schools should focus on: neighborhood schools or special programs. They'll also help migrant students and deal with learning losses from the pandemic. Shannon Bennett thinks there's a disconnect between what decision-makers focus on and what parents care about. Parents want to know if their kids are getting homework, not just budget details.