Intensifying Rivalry Between SEIU and CTU in Chicago School Board Race

The SEIU Illinois State Council recently allocated $1.1 million to a new independent expenditure group, signifying increasing tensions in the Chicago school board election. This development comes as its conflict with the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) becomes more public. The funds were given to a super PAC called Brighter Futures Chicago shortly before a notable social media confrontation between CTU Vice President Jackson Potter and SEIU Illinois Executive Director Anthony Driver over Chicago Public Schools’ (CPS) budget plans.

Driver initiated Brighter Futures Chicago to influence the upcoming November election. Previously, these two influential unions supported Mayor Brandon Johnson’s successful campaign but split over disputes regarding CPS staff. Highlighting their opposition, each union endorsed different candidates for school board president. SEIU supports Jessica Biggs and donated $150,000 to her campaign, while CTU backs Hilario Dominguez, contributing nearly $100,000 in in-kind support.

The crux of their disagreement lies in the $10.11 billion budget passed by the Chicago Board of Education, aligned with CTU’s interests. This budget includes a speculative $150 million in state funding. District officials warned such reliance could lead to budget cuts midyear if the funds are not realized. SEIU criticized this approach as a risk based on unguaranteed state money, while CTU argued it’s a necessary step to lobby for increased state funding.

Online disputes between Driver and Potter brought their differences to the forefront. Driver condemned the financial strategy on social media, which led to Potter challenging his sudden interest in CPS finances. The exchange escalated into an invitation for a public debate by Driver.

The newly amended budget aims to prevent over 1,500 staff layoffs, a challenging task as schools prepare to start. SEIU Local 73 President Dian Palmer demanded a plan from CPS CEO Macquline King for handling potential funding shortfalls. Palmer also reached out to Illinois lawmakers, emphasizing the importance of concrete funding plans.

Despite the budget’s contentious nature, CTU believes leveraging it pressures legislators to boost funding, pointing out the district meets only 70% of funding requirements per the state’s formula, a decrease from last year.

Meanwhile, the power dynamics between unions affect the broader school board race landscape. SEIU sees itself defending against CTU-majority influence, given CTU’s control over the Board of Education and mayoral office. The election marks the first time all 21 Board of Education seats are contested, transitioning from primarily mayoral appointments to a mixed model of elected and appointed members.

Besides the board presidency, few interest groups have heavily invested in campaigns yet. However, the electoral landscape is poised to change with SEIU’s significant funding commitment, promising a contentious election involving both unions’ extensive support networks.