After months of turmoil, the new CPS school board is hopeful for positive changes in education.
Chicago: The city just swore in its first-ever partially elected school board, and it feels like a big deal. After nearly 20 years of parents pushing for change and lots of debates, this moment is historic.
New board members took their oaths and met for the first time, and despite the chaos of the past few months, there was a sense of celebration in the air. Board President Sean Harden, appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson, welcomed the new members, saying they’re part of something significant.
He expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing that the board now reflects the community’s needs. It’s a chance to create an educational environment that stands out in the U.S.
At the meeting, only 20 members were present—10 elected and 10 appointed by the mayor. They gathered to preview upcoming proposals, but the mayor still needs to name one more appointee to complete the board.
As the board members entered their newly renovated meeting space, there were smiles and photos with family. Elected member Yesenia Lopez even took a moment to snap pictures with her loved ones.
Che “Rhymefest” Smith, a popular new member, got a warm welcome from the crowd. He shared that being elected by the community is the highlight of his life, even more than his Grammy wins.
Another board member, Norma Rios-Sierra, spoke about hope for a new chapter, acknowledging the systemic barriers families have faced in education. Aaron “Jitu” Brown, a longtime activist, reflected on the journey to get to this point, thanking everyone who believed in the cause.
Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates also shared her emotions, recalling the hard work that went into creating an elected school board. She believes they can transform CPS into a fair and just education system for all neighborhoods.
While the atmosphere was mostly positive, there were a couple of moments that hinted at past divisions. One was a split vote for the board vice president, showing lingering political lines. Another was a critique of a push to delay decisions on school closures, highlighting ongoing tensions.
Overall, it’s a new beginning for Chicago Public Schools, and many are hopeful for what’s to come.
