Filtered Our Voices
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.
On Black History
K1C CEO Daniel Anello reflects on what Black history means in America, recent progress and setbacks, and what gives him hope.
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.
Statement from the Kids First Chicago Parent Advisory Board Calling on CPS to Refocus on Students
The Parent Advisory Board of Kids First Chicago issued a statement today expressing concern over the ongoing turmoil within Chicago Public Schools (CPS). The PAB demands an immediate, refocused commitment on putting kids first.
Lilia Guevara responds to the news about Acero's school closures
Acero Parent and Kids First Chicago Parent Advisory Board member Lilia Guevara expresses her feelings about the sudden news about Acero school closures, planned for June 2025.
Chicago Schools CEO Pedro Martinez deserves board's support
Published originally in the Chicago Sun-Times Letters to the Editor on September 25, 2024.
School board fell short on real community engagement for CPS strategic plan
Published originally in the Chicago Sun-Times Letters to the Editor on September 22, 2024.
Statement from Kids First Chicago Parent Advisory Board Executive Committee members on Potential Dismissal of CPS CEO Martinez
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.