Chicago’s Elected School Board

In 2021, Governor Pritzker signed legislation creating an elected school board for Chicago Public Schools, expanding the school board from seven members to 21.

In May 2023, the legislature will create ten school board districts, along with regulations for the new school board members. The first school board election will be held in November 2024. At that time, ten members will be elected and the mayor will appoint eleven members. In 2026, eleven additional members will be voted on to replace the appointed positions.

This law also places a moratorium on school closures and prevents individuals with conflicts of interest from serving on the board. In addition, the legislation creates a Diversity Board, to be appointed by the mayor, to help guide issues before the school board.

LWV Chicago's Education Committee is watching this elected school board legislation closely, and we want your feedback. Please let us know any of your thoughts or questions related to this legislation—as well as any other areas of concern you may have regarding our schools—by filling out the form below.

To learn more about the elected school board, watch our briefing with Illinois State Senator Robert Martwick, the legislation's sponsor, and WBEZ Senior Editor Kate Grossman.