What the Board Does
The Chicago Board of Education (CBOE) is one of the most powerful and far-reaching governing bodies in the city, and is often one of the most misunderstood.
The Illinois Association of School Boards notes that a school board “establishes direction, goals, and priorities for a school district and determines policy, budget, leadership, and administration.” The implementation of these items, in turn, is the responsibility of the district’s management team, under the leadership of a Superintendent/CEO, whom the board hires and evaluates.
As such, the CBOE’s actions and influence impact every school and every classroom in Chicago, ultimately reaching 316,000 students and 46,000 employees. Some particular areas of responsibility include:
Financial Stewardship: The Board approves the district’s annual budget of roughly $10 billion and levies approximately 50% of all property taxes in Chicago, making it one of the most significant fiscal decision-making bodies in Illinois.
Labor Contracts & School Policies: The Board approves all district policies, labor contracts, and charter school applications and renewals, directly shaping the conditions in which students learn and educators work.
Data & System Accountability: The Board approves accountability policies, district strategic plans, and goals — and is responsible for ensuring the district meets them.
Governance: The Board hires and manages the Superintendent/CEO of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and confirms other senior district leaders, setting the tone for leadership across the entire system.
The scope of the CBOE’s authority demands a strong commitment to good governance. Good governance is not accidental; it requires a shared set of values that guide how decisions are made, who is centered in those decisions, and how the CBOE holds itself accountable to the public it serves.
Principles That Must Guide Every Decision
Chicago’s education community believes good governance for Chicago’s schools means a Board that governs—not manages—by
Centering every decision on student learning and well-being, in all of Chicago’s school environments, especially for students furthest from opportunity.
Respecting local school community decision-making and authentic parent and stakeholder voice.
Demanding accessible data, accountability, and results for students.
Using research and qualitative and quantitative evidence to guide policy decisions.
Ensuring the district’s long-term financial sustainability.
Operating with integrity and transparency.
Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
Chicago Public Schools is navigating one of the most consequential periods in its history. The district faces a recurring structural budget deficit in the hundreds of millions, declining enrollment, and the persistent challenge of delivering high-quality education across a city marked by deep and entrenched inequity.
Against this backdrop, the stakes of Board governance have never been higher. A board that loses sight of its purpose, prioritizes political interests over student outcomes, or fails to act with the fiscal discipline and transparency the moment demands make an already difficult situation worse.
When the Board practices good governance, with clarity, purpose, and an unwavering focus on students, the whole system is stronger. Schools are better resourced. Leaders are better supported. Families are better informed and empowered. And students, especially those who have been historically underserved, have a better chance.
Chicago’s education community is united in its commitment to a board that governs well because Chicago’s students deserve nothing less.
Endorsing Organizations
As of August 2026
Association House of Chicago
Bethel New Life
BUILD Chicago
Chicago Commons
Chicago Education Alliance
Chicago Urban League
Chinese American Service League (CASL)
Civic Federation
Education Community Committee
Indo-American Center
Ingenuity
Instituto del Progreso Latino
Kids First Chicago
Latino Leadership Pipeline
Latinos Progresando
Little Village Community Council
National Parents Union
Northwest Center
Pilsen Neighbors Community Council
Project Exploration
Project: Vision
S.T.A.R.R. Community
The Academy Group
The Chicago Public Education Fund
VOCEL