Robinson Backs Elected School Board in Chicago

CHICAGO – Following his commitment to strengthen local schools, state Rep. Lamont Robinson, Jr., D-Chicago, voted this week to make the Chicago School Board an elected body.

“Chicago is the only school district in the state that has an appointed school board,” Robinson said. “We’ve seen over and over again that our current school board has not put in the time and effort necessary to make sure that students in our community have everything they need in their schools to succeed. An elected school board will allow local residents from our neighborhood to properly advocate for the needs of our children.”

Currently, members of the Chicago Board of Education are appointed by the mayor of Chicago. Robinson’s House Bill 2267 would change Chicago’s current appointed board into an elected one starting with the 2023 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. The legislation would split Chicago into 20 districts that would each elect a representative for the board. Additionally, the measure calls on the General Assembly to review and make any necessary improvements or changes to the structure of the elected school board in 2029.

“Our neighborhoods and students have been disproportionately impacted by decisions of the current school board that closed local schools, increased class sizes and didn’t bring important resources to our classrooms,” Robinson added. “I believe that a school board that represents our community will help bring many much needed resources to our teachers and students.”

For more information about legislation or upcoming events, contact state Rep. Robinson’s constituent service office at District5Rep@LamontJRobinson.com.