Key findings from the poll indicate that Chicago voters want:
The racial and ethnic composition of elected school board districts to reflect the composition of the Chicago Public Schools student body. Chicago's demographics are significantly different from those of the CPS student body. As of 2022, Chicago’s population was approximately 57% Black and Latine while the CPS student body was almost 82% Black and Latine. A majority of respondents (75%) thought it was “extremely” (44%) or “very” (31%) essential that districts have racial representation that reflects the racially diverse CPS student population.
Any Chicago adult to be able to vote in school board elections, regardless of their immigration status. A majority of respondents (68%) support any Chicago adult voting, regardless of immigration status.
Any Chicago adult to be able to serve on the school board regardless of immigration status. More than half of the respondents (58%) support any Chicago adult serving on the board, regardless of their immigration status.
Strict limits on donations to elected school board candidate campaigns. A majority of respondents (74%) support strict limits on donations.
Stipends or salaries for elected school board members serving on the board. A majority of respondents (71%) support school board members receiving a stipend or salary.
Parent seats on the board. A majority of respondents (69%) thought it was “extremely important” (27%) or “very important” (42%) that there be board seats reserved only for CPS parents.
Additionally, there is a general lack of awareness that there is an upcoming transition to an elected school board. Only 52% of Chicago voters are aware, with roughly 2 out of 5 current CPS families unaware of the transition.
Kids First Chicago, in conjunction with its Elected School Board Task Force, is now calling on Springfield to amend Chicago’s elected school board legislation to align with the public’s priorities for an elected board and improve its long-term chances of success.