Blog
Call for Honest Collaboration Between Teachers, Administrators, and Parents
CPS parent Blaire Flowers reflects on the CTU-CPS contract and calls for meaningful engagement with parents.
Statement and Analysis of Baker Tilly Report on CPS Funding Options
Kids First Chicago comments on new Baker Tilly report, commissioned by the Chicago Board of Education to review CPS obligations and funding options.
Statement from Kids First Chicago Condemning Actions to Dismantle U.S. Department of Education
Kids First Chicago joins colleagues nationwide in condemning the Trump Administration’s dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education.
On Governor Pritzker’s Budget Address
Claiborne Wade, chair of Kids First Chicago's Equitable Funding task force, weighs in on Governor Pritzker's 2026 Budget Address.
Stakeholders: The new Chicago Board of Education must take ownership of CPS
Published originally in the Chicago Tribune on February 17, 2025.
On Black History
K1C CEO Daniel Anello reflects on what Black history means in America, recent progress and setbacks, and what gives him hope.
Mayor Johnson, non-citizen parents need a chance to advocate for their kids in CPS
Published originally in the Chicago Sun-Times on February 2, 2025.
Turning 10 Years Old
Daniel Anello marks ten years at Kids First Chicago in January 2025. He reflects on our mission, the lessons we've learned, and the work that still lies ahead.
Why Illinois Must Fully Fund Education Now
Claiborne Wade, chair of Kids First Chicago’s Equitable Funding Task Force, CPS parent, and staff member at DePriest Elementary, presses the state board and state legislators to guarantee more adequate education funding in the FY2026 budget.
Katrina Adams Reacts to CPS Special Board Meeting and CEO Sacking, on Eve of Winter Break
Parent leader Katrina Adams reflects on what the special December 20 Board of Education meeting and the Board’s decision to fire CEO Martinez means about the city, the mayor, and who gets prioritized by politicians.
Statements from Kids First Chicago & Kids First Chicago Parent Advisory Board on Special CPS Board Meeting
Kids First Chicago and its Parent Advisory Board offer statements on the Board of Education's special session, called with just two days' notice on the brink of the CPS Winter Break.
Letter to Mayor Johnson: Parent Representation on the Chicago Board of Education Matters
Kids First Chicago and 200 signers call on the Mayor to use his remaining appointments to the Board of Education to balance out the representation of current CPS parents of color on the school board.