Blog

Chicago Schools CEO Pedro Martinez deserves board's support

By Denise Dyer | September 25, 2024

Published originally in the Chicago Sun-Times Letters to the Editor on September 25, 2024.

Our Voices

CPS board can quash mayor's September coup attempt

By Hal Woods | September 23, 2024

Published originally in Crain's Chicago Business Opinion section on September 23, 2024.

K1C Perspectives

School board fell short on real community engagement for CPS strategic plan

By Dr. Byron T. Brazier, Grace Chan McKibben, Daniel Anello | September 22, 2024

Published originally in the Chicago Sun-Times Letters to the Editor on September 22, 2024.

Our Voices

Statement from Kids First Chicago Parent Advisory Board Executive Committee members on Potential Dismissal of CPS CEO Martinez

By Lilia Guevara, Maria Owens, Alma Sigala, Andrea Zayas | September 19, 2024

Members of the Executive Committee of Kids First Chicago’s Parent Advisory Board comment on the potential dismissal of Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez.

Our Voices

Property Tax Circuit Breakers Work

By Hal Woods, Tierra Pearson | September 9, 2024

Published originally in the Chicago Sun-Times Letters to the Editor on September 7, 2024.

K1C Perspectives

“It’s Easier To Get Beyonce Tickets”: The Frustrating Waiting Game of Securing a Speaker Slot at CPS Board Meetings

By Victory Nwabufo, Kids First Chicago Team | August 30, 2024

Victory Nwabufo and K1C’s Community Engagement Team shed light on the unreliable process of securing speaker slots at CPS Board of Education meetings.

K1C Perspectives

How to Confront Chicago Public Schools’ Financial Freefall

By Hal Woods, Chris Poulos, Micaelan Gasperich | July 31, 2024

Published originally in the Chicago Tribune Opinion Section on July 30, 2024.

K1C Perspectives, Policy Priorities

Mayor Brandon Johnson Rejects CPS Budget: What Comes Next?

By Hal Woods | July 15, 2024

In an unprecedented move, Mayor Brandon Johnson blasts Chicago Public Schools' proposed $9.9 billion budget. What comes next?

K1C Perspectives, Policy Priorities

Creativity, Migration, Dedication: Parents reflect on Chicago's history

By Jasmin Pizano Luna | July 10, 2024

Parent leaders visited Chicago’s History Museum, reflecting on the dynamic history that shapes today’s Chicago.

Our Voices

LSC Members Request Transparency and Engagement in Critical School Funding Decisions

By Local School Council Members | July 9, 2024

Members of more than 30 Local School Councils send urgent letter to Chicago Board of Education asking for engagement around school budgets for SY2024-25.

Our Voices, Policy Priorities

A New Chapter: Northwest Parents In Action Graduation and Their Paths Forward

By Victory Nwabufo, Maria Maynez | June 27, 2024

Kids First Chicago’s (K1C) Parent Leadership Fellowship (PLF) has officially graduated the Northwest Side Cohort, named “Northwest Side Parents in Action.”

Stories

Reflections on Empowering Parent Leaders in Education

By Sophie A. Nunziati | June 25, 2024

Throughout the last month, I had the opportunity to intern with the Kids First Chicago policy team. I am coming away from this internship with a broader understanding of how a nonprofit organization works to activate families and works directly with them to amplify their power.