Harper Seeks to Democratize Chicago School Board

CHICAGO – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is fighting to give families a voice in their children’s education by passing legislation creating an elected representative school board to lead the Chicago Public Schools (CPS).

“When it comes to Chicago’s school board, parents across our city feel powerless and voiceless when it comes to the education of their children,” Harper said. “An elected school board is the answer to that concern. Empowering residents to guide our schools is the right course of action to allow our children to meet their full potential.”

Currently, the Chicago Board of Education members are appointed by the mayor of Chicago. Harper’s House Bill 1774 would change Chicago’s current appointed board into an elected one starting with the 2019 municipal election. Registered voters with residency in the Chicago electoral district for at least one year immediately preceding the election would be eligible to run for a board member position. House Bill 1774 would split Chicago into 20 districts that would each elect a representative for the board. Additionally, voters would select one at-large board member city-wide to serve as the board president.

“This measure will transfer power from an executive to the people, who ought to be trusted on how to teach their own children,” said Harper.