Chicago Board of Education: Introduction of First-Ever President Election

For the first time, city residents of Chicago have the opportunity to elect the president of the Chicago Board of Education. Previously, this position was appointed by the mayor. The board president plays a crucial role in guiding the 21-member panel, influencing vital decisions from routine contracts to the district’s significant budget.

The position oversees a vast network of 626 schools and 304,000 students, making it a key component in the nation’s third-largest school district.

Candidates for School Board President

Three individuals are vying for the role of school board president.

Jessica Biggs

Jessica Biggs brings experience as a former principal of Chicago Public Schools and currently serves on the board representing District 6B, ranging from the Loop to Englewood. She is also involved with the Southwest Organizing Project.

Top Priorities:

• Focus on student learning by establishing clear goals and accountability.
• Govern the board effectively by setting goals, passing policies, and managing finances.
• Ensure financial stability through a long-term recovery plan.

Positions:

• Opposes mass school closures without local authority.
• Criticizes budget reliance on unguaranteed state funds.
• Advocates for state to cover adequate education costs, reducing property tax reliance.

Hilario Dominguez

Hilario Dominguez worked as a special education teacher and organizer for the Chicago Teachers Union. He was also a campaign contributor for Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Top Priorities:

• Initiate universal full-day pre-K starting at age three.
• Improve school food contracts.
• Offer paid work opportunities for high school students.

Positions:

• Supports scaling sustainable community schools instead of closures.
• Seeks public recognition of owed state funds in budgets.
• Endorses property tax raises only as a last resort.

Victor Henderson

Victor Henderson, a civil litigation attorney, also served on the board of the Urban Prep Academies charter school network.

Top Priorities:

• Improve metrics in reading and math programs.
• Enhance fiscal discipline and board transparency.
• Secure safe and quality education access for all students.

Positions:

• Does not support indefinite school closure moratoriums without thorough evaluation.
• Advocates for additional state funding, opposing reliance on unacquired funds.
• Cautious about raising property taxes without showing board accountability and results.