Slaughter Backs Measure to Create Elected Chicago School Board

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To better ensure the voices of parents are heard in discussions on their children’s education, state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, recently supported legislation that will bring Chicago Public Schools (CPS) in line with other school districts across Illinois and allow for the creation of an elected school board.

“As a proud father of two little ones, I believe that parents are a child’s first teacher and that they deserve to have a voice in shaping our school districts,” said Slaughter. “Parents know what is best for their children, and creating a school board that is more equitable and representative of our CPS families will undoubtedly result in better decisions being made for our students.”

Slaughter supported House Bill 2908 to replace Chicago’s mayor-appointed school board consisting of eight members with an elected school board of 21 members. Under this legislation, Chicago would be divided into 20 districts, with each member representing one district and one board president who is elected in a citywide election. This reform would help amplify the voices of those in underserved communities and ensure that they have a say in the education of their children. Currently, Chicago is the only school district in Illinois with a mayor-appointed school board. The Slaughter-backed measure recently passed the House, and is awaiting consideration in the Senate.

“Having a school board that is made up of parents and community leaders will ensure that the best interests of our students and teachers are always put first,” continued Slaughter. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to help move this legislation forward, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to improve education for all Illinois students.”