Jessica Biggs, a former principal in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system, has declared victory in the race for president of the Chicago Board of Education. With about 60 percent of votes counted, the candidate had won nearly half of the vote.
Although the Associated Press has not yet called the race, Biggs addressed her supporters on election night and thanked them for their backing. She stressed that her success was the result of cooperation among parents, teachers, working families, religious organizations and residents of different neighborhoods across the city.
First Fully Elected Board of Education in Chicago History
Tuesday’s election was of particular importance for the future of Chicago’s public education system. For the first time, city residents chose all 21 members of the Board of Education, which previously was partly filled by appointees of the mayor.
The new board will include a president elected citywide and 20 representatives of individual school sub-districts.
Biggs won the backing of major labor organizations and several Chicago aldermen. Her opponent was Dominguez, who was supported by, among others, the influential Chicago Teachers Union (CTU). The union also backs Mayor Brandon Johnson.
The campaign was exceptionally expensive. By mid-October, election-related spending had exceeded $6 million. Significant sums went toward promoting candidates as well as campaigns targeting their political rivals.
Board Oversees a Budget of Nearly $10 Billion
The outcome is of major importance for the more than 315,000 students in Chicago’s public schools. The Board of Education makes the most important decisions on education policy, school funding and management of the entire CPS system.
Its members approve a budget of nearly $10 billion, which covers the operation of 626 schools and pay for more than 45,000 employees. The board is also responsible for choosing the schools superintendent. Macquline King was appointed to the post earlier this year.
One of the biggest challenges facing the new leadership is the financial situation of Chicago’s schools. The previous board adopted a budget that aims to close a $730 million deficit. However, the financial plan relies in part on an additional $150 million from the state budget, which has not yet been approved.
The question of additional funding remains one of the most important topics in the debate over the future of education in Illinois. It also matters to residents, because property taxes are a significant source of funding for public schools.
The new Board of Education will begin work in January. For the first time, Chicago residents will be able to hold all of its members accountable at the ballot box, rather than just some of the officials responsible for running the city’s education system.
Source: Polski.FM
