Chicago’s Historic School Board Election: What to Know

Days before Chicago’s historic school board election, over 40 candidates intensify efforts to gather support. They are canvassing neighborhoods and distributing flyers as election day approaches. This election breaks from decades of mayoral control, allowing voters to decide all 21 seats on the Chicago Board of Education.

The Race Dynamics

The election features a flood of ads, significant fundraising, and numerous local debates. Despite the vigorous activities, candidates report varying levels of voter awareness. Anthony Hargrove, a nonprofit leader running in District 5B, competes against the incumbent backed by the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), Michilla Blaise.

Election Stakes

The board governs Chicago Public Schools, the country’s third-largest school district, managing a $10 billion budget for 304,000 students. It deals with essential matters like contracts, taxes, and potential school closures. The board president plays a critical role in shaping policy by setting meeting agendas.

Key issues include the district’s increasing debt, student achievement, and state funding. The candidates break down into two primary groups: those supported by progressive factions like CTU and Mayor Brandon Johnson, and those backed by pro-school-choice groups opposing CTU.

Board Presidency Contest

The presidency attracts significant interest, with three contenders contesting the citywide seat: Jessica Biggs, Hilario Dominguez, and Victor Henderson. This race sees around $8.7 million in fundraising and independent expenditure. Biggs has garnered $1.85 million since last fall, supported by SEIU and Michael Sacks, a Democratic donor. Dominguez raised $1.75 million mainly from CTU-associated PACs, while Henderson employs mostly personal funds, raising $737,000.

Fundraising has intensified debates over special interest influence, particularly with Common Ground and related groups spending millions against Dominguez.

District-Level Contests

Incumbent Che “Rhymefest” Smith faces Tameka Walton, a CTU-backed write-in candidate in District 10A, encompassing South Shore, Woodlawn, and Hyde Park. Despite initial plans to reduce campaign activities, Smith is heavily engaged due to Walton’s campaigning efforts. Walton coordinates volunteers and covers voting sites with determination.

Though most residents track the board presidency contest closely, district-level races are less known. A poll by the Chicago Public Education Fund shows growing awareness, with 77% of voters knowing about the school board election, a notable rise from earlier in the year.

Engagement in District 2B

On the North Side, Kyna Lenhof expresses excitement over community engagement concerning public schools in District 2B. Her challenger, Debby Pope, emphasizes interaction at polling places, highlighting the district’s early voting participation. Pope’s long-term residency and CTU endorsement bolster her campaign.

Candidates continue reaching out, with the election sparking notable citizen interest and participation.