By ASN News Editorial Desk
CHICAGO URBAN DAILY
CHICAGO (CHICAGO URBAN DAILY)— Chicago just made history — and the balance of power at Chicago Public Schools is about to shift. Voters elected the city’s first fully elected school board Tuesday, and early results point to a narrow majority backed by pro-school-choice groups.
If the leads hold, candidates backed by groups that oppose the Chicago Teachers Union’s influence will hold 11 of the board’s 21 seats — including the president’s chair. Jessica Biggs won the race for school board president, backed by SEIU, the union representing school support staff. Her largest contribution — more than $1 million — came from billionaire Democratic donor Michael Sacks.
Four races are still too close to call, and the Board of Elections is still counting ballots. CTU-endorsed candidates could still win nine seats, so the final balance is not settled yet.
The new board will be a different room. Eight members are newcomers. Sixteen of the 21 presumed winners are women, and a dozen are current or former CPS parents. The board takes office in January 2027 — and it walks straight into hard decisions: a budget shortfall if added state money doesn’t come through in the November veto session, falling enrollment, and the question of school closures. Only six of the presumed winners said they support closing schools.
Biggs will set the board’s agenda and can vote on every matter, not just tiebreakers like the current mayorally appointed president. That is real power — and Chicago parents will be watching how she uses it.
Stay tuned to Chicago Urban Daily for the final count and what the new board means for your child’s school.
Reported by Chicago Urban Daily News. Visit chicagourbandailynews.com for updates.
