Chicago’s Upcoming School Board Election

Chicago’s November school board election will complete the city’s transition to a fully elected Board of Education, giving voters a direct role in choosing all 21 members who oversee Chicago Public Schools. The incoming board will face major decisions involving CPS finances, labor agreements, and charter schools. One of the biggest issues facing the new board will be CPS’s financial position. For 2026-2027, CPS approved a record $10.11 billion budget after beginning the budget process with a projected $732.5 million deficit.

The board’s makeup could also influence future negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union. CTU’s most recent demands to CPS included provisions involving sustainable community schools, student gender-identity policies, carbon neutrality, electric school buses, and financial assistance for newcomer students.

Charter schools will be another important issue for the incoming board. The Board of Education oversees charter authorization, contracts, and renewals, giving its members significant influence over these schools. Recent actions have included relatively short renewal periods for Chicago charter schools and a CTU contract provision limiting charter growth and enrollment. The agreement also calls for guidelines that could allow charter schools to be converted back into traditional district-run schools.

With all 21 seats up for election, the November election will give Chicagoans a voice that could shape CPS for years to come. The next board will be responsible for navigating the district’s financial challenges, approving future agreements and determining policies affecting educational options for Chicago families.