Andrade Fights to Give Families a Voice by Passing Elected Chicago School Board Bill

CHICAGO – State Rep. Jaime Andrade, D-Chicago, recently helped pass legislation to increase accountability of the Chicago School Board by giving voting power to Chicago families.

“It is past due that our community is given say in the system that educates our children,” Andrade said. “Decades of mismanagement which have resulted in school closures, scandal, and harm to our children must come to an end by holding those who make the decisions accountable.”

Andrade is chief cosponsor of House Bill 2267 which changes the current composition of the Chicago Public School’s (CPS) board of education from a 7 member mayor-appointed board to a 21 member elected board. The bill would divide Chicago into 20 districts which would each elect a representative onto the board. The body would then elect someone to serve as President of the Board.  This measure will help bring accountability and transparency to CPS by giving voters a say in the decisions the board makes in the education of their children.

“One of our most important responsibilities is ensuring the next generation is given the tools they need to succeed. That is why it is critical that parents are given a seat at the table,” Andrade said. “This legislation is an opportunity to put us on the right path to fix a flawed system and do right by our children.”