Blog
LSC Members Request Transparency and Engagement in Critical School Funding Decisions
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.
A New Chapter: Northwest Parents In Action Graduation and Their Paths Forward
Kids First Chicago’s (K1C) Parent Leadership Fellowship (PLF) has officially graduated the Northwest Side Cohort, named “Northwest Side Parents in Action.”
Reflections on Empowering Parent Leaders in Education
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.
Why Juneteenth Matters
As we celebrate Juneteenth, I hope you take a moment to reflect on the progress we have made toward a more racially equitable country and Chicago, and the hope we should all have for continuing that progress.
Inclusive Negotiations Benefit Chicago Kids
Kids First Chicago Parent Advisory Board’s Executive Committee enthusiastically accepts CTU's invitation to participate in Collective Bargaining talks this summer.
Funding Illinois' Future Response to Passage of FY25 State Budget
Published originally by Funding Illinois' Future coalition on May 29, 2024.
Highlights from Kids First Chicago's Latest Parent Leadership Fellowship Meeting
On Saturday, May 18, Kids First Chicago hosted its second-to-last Northwest Side Parent Leadership Fellowship (PLF) meeting at Roberto Clemente High School's Parent University.
CPS Shifts School Funding Model: Local School Council Members Weigh In
Kids First Chicago hosted a forum with over 30 Local School Council members to dissect CPS’s new funding approach and weighed in on WTTW's Chicago Tonight.
Kids First Chicago’s Parent Advisory Board on Illinois House Bill 303
Kids First Chicago's Parent Advisory Board weighs in on Illinois House Bill 303, indicating its support to extend the moratorium on school closures until a fully-elected school board takes office in 2027.
The Urgent Need for CPS Funding Transparency
LSC chair at Bronzeville Classical Elementary Stephen Mitchell calls for CPS budget transparency in a letter to the Chicago Tribune editor.
A Day of Advocacy: EBF Funding Rally in Springfield
Over 150 advocates from across Illinois–including more than 40 dedicated parents and students from Kids First Chicago–converged on Springfield to champion an increase in the Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) formula to at least $550 million.
Parent Leaders Advise Kids First
On April 30, 2024, Kids First Chicago's Parent Advisory Board (PAB) met for the first time at Kids First’s new offices. More than 30 PAB members from across the city attended.