Five reasons why Chicago should have an elected School Board
Our hope is that the democratic process will lead us to increased civic engagement and greater opportunities for input on how best to run our schools from parents, students, voters and taxpayers.
By: Valerie F. Leonard / October 22, 2012
Valerie F. Leonard
The Chicago Board of Education has been appointed by the mayor since its inception in 1872. The Board of Education currently has seven members who serve staggered terms. The mayor appoints the board, its president and the CEO of Chicago Public Schools. Chicago is the only city in the State of Illinois that has this arrangement.
There has been a lot of “back and forth” as to whether or not CPS should have an elected school board. Some people who are opposed to the notion argue that Chicago has enough layers of bureaucracy and corruption,