Chicago School Board Race Heats Up Amid Union Dispute

SEIU Illinois State Council transferred $1.1 million to a new independent expenditure group, preparing to invest heavily in Chicago’s school board race. The disagreement with former ally, the Chicago Teachers Union, has grown increasingly public. The SEIU’s contribution to super PAC Brighter Futures Chicago was made shortly before a social media exchange between CTU Vice President Jackson Potter and SEIU Illinois Executive Director Anthony Driver. The exchange centered on Chicago Public Schools’ disputed budget.

Driver initiated Brighter Futures Chicago recently. Both progressive unions helped elect Mayor Brandon Johnson but split last year due to conflicts over CPS employees. Now, their division extends to the historic November election. SEIU and CTU are advocating for different candidates for school board president. SEIU supports Jessica Biggs, who received $150,000 from the union, while CTU backs Hilario Dominguez, receiving nearly $100,000 in in-kind donations.

The budget is a central issue. The Chicago Board of Education, aligned with CTU, approved a $10.11 billion budget that includes $150 million in uncertain state funding. District leaders warn that relying on unconfirmed funding could result in midyear cuts. SEIU has criticized the budget as a “gamble.” The disagreement escalated further when Driver and Potter traded remarks on Facebook. Driver disparaged the budget plan, prompting Potter’s retort questioning district budgeting practices. Driver challenged Potter to a public debate, accusing him of causing harm to CPS workers.

The amended budget aims to prevent laying off 1,500 staff members, a difficult task shortly before school starts. Dian Palmer, SEIU Local 73 President, urged CPS CEO Macquline King in a letter to provide a concrete plan if the funding falls through. Palmer reached out to Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and other lawmakers, seeking their action plan.

CTU argues the revised budget puts pressure on lawmakers, as there is increasing momentum for more funding in Springfield. The district’s funding sits at 70% based on the state formula, down from last year’s 73%. CTU claims the state should address layoffs and programmatic cuts, insisting their revised budget compels the state to act. Potter reiterated this sentiment at a news conference. CTU is pushing CPS to engage in impact bargaining to reverse member layoffs.

CPS emailed principals, obtained by the Tribune, requesting they prioritize their staffing needs to possibly restore positions. Hilario Dominguez, CTU’s political director, expressed disagreement with how the board conducts business. Driver described a power imbalance with one union controlling the Board of Education and the mayor’s office, stating this isn’t two unions fighting but a union defending itself. As far as the board president race is concerned, major contributions from special interest groups have been limited but are anticipated to increase in what might be the largest school board race in the country.

Driver noted the $1.1 million transferred to Brighter Futures Chicago will support school board campaigns. All 21 Board of Education seats are now up for election, transitioning from being composed of seven mayoral appointees. The election involves 10 elected members and 11 appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson, a CTU supporter. SEIU Illinois Council’s PAC had $29,000 on hand, later receiving $315,000 from member dues. CTU’s PAC, associated with the Illinois Federation of Teachers, reported $377,000 available.

CTU and SEIU jointly support five candidates in district-level races. Union endorsements are powerful as they provide financial backing and mobilize voters, particularly influential for CTU representing over 30,000 CPS workers, and SEIU Local 73 with 13,000 employees.