The newly sworn-in Chicago school board faces financial challenges and ongoing contract negotiations with the teachers union

Chicago: The new Chicago Board of Education took their oaths on Wednesday, marking a big change after years of mayoral control. This board is a mix of elected and appointed members, and they’ll play a key role in shaping the future of Chicago Public Schools.
Right now, the district is facing some serious financial issues, and there’s a heated negotiation going on for a new contract with the Chicago Teachers Union. Mayor Brandon Johnson still needs to make one more appointment to the board, which will bring the total to 21 members.
During the meeting, there was a bit of tension when it came time to vote for the vice president. Olga Bautista, a CPS parent and advocate for green schools, won the position with a 12-7 vote. She’s committed to serving the city and ensuring all CPS students get the justice and joy they deserve.
Jessica Biggs, a former principal, received the remaining votes, mostly from those who oppose the teachers union. She ran as an independent and won her seat in November against a CTU-backed candidate.
Sean Harden will continue as board president. He’s optimistic about the district’s future and wants to build strong relationships with fellow board members to improve education for students and families.
The new board is caught in a power struggle between the district’s leaders and the mayor, especially after six members voted to fire CEO Pedro Martinez. The mayor is pushing for a $300 million loan to help with the teachers union’s contract demands, but Martinez believes it would put the district in a tough financial spot.
For nearly 30 years, Chicago’s mayors have appointed the school board members. However, a recent law change has allowed for a partially-elected board, giving residents more say in who oversees the district. By 2027, all board members will be elected.
CTU President Stacy Davis Gates expressed her joy at seeing an elected school board, calling it a win for those fighting for justice and equity. She emphasized the need for collaboration to finalize the teachers’ contract, which has been in negotiation since April.
Finances are a major sticking point, with the union seeking higher salaries and more teachers for underserved schools. CPS argues that the union’s proposals are too costly, but they are slowly moving closer to an agreement.
In the recent elections, many CTU-backed candidates lost, which impacted Johnson’s education agenda. However, some candidates, like Aaron “Jitu” Brown, celebrated the victory of an elected school board after a long struggle.
Another board member, rapper Che “Rhymefest” Smith, expressed his pride in being elected and hopes to bring positive changes to education in the city. He emphasized the importance of teaching children to discern fact from fiction in today’s world.