A new citywide poll commissioned by Kids First Chicago (K1C) reveals that while Chicagoans strongly support new State and City revenue options for Chicago Public Schools (CPS), the vast majority remain unaware of the most consequential governance change in CPS in decades: the transition to a fully elected 21-member Board of Education in 2027.
The survey of 1,361 Chicago adults, conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago, shows that Chicagoans want structural, long-term investments in public schools and reject cuts or short-term borrowing. Yet residents have limited knowledge of who represents them on the Board of Education, and that elections will be held again next fall to complete the transition to a fully-elected board.
The poll also shows that confidence in CPS decision-makers varies sharply, with respondents expressing the greatest confidence in Governor J.B. Pritzker and more divided views toward Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Board of Education, the Chicago Teachers Union, and interim CPS CEO/Superintendent Dr. Macquline King.
Most Chicagoans still don’t know a fully elected school board is coming in 2027.
Two-Thirds of Chicagoans Unaware of 2027 Transition to a Fully-Elected School Board
- Only 32% of respondents knew that CPS will move to a fully elected board in 2027.
- 66% were not aware, with the lowest knowledge among younger adults and Latine respondents.
- Just 10% of respondents can name their existing school board representative.
Key Findings
Chicagoans Want Springfield to Step Up
Nearly two-thirds (66%) say the State of Illinois should provide more money for K–12 schools statewide. Among specific state revenue options:
- 79% support closing corporate tax loopholes
- 75% support raising the corporate income tax
- 74% support raising the income tax for individuals earning above $250,000
City Revenue Preferences Target Corporations and High-End Property
Among those who support more City funding for CPS:
- 74% back increasing taxes on large corporations
- 56% support higher real estate taxes on transactions over $500,000
- 53% support a local income tax on high earners
Chicagoans Oppose CPS Cuts or Borrowing to Close the Budget Gap
Residents strongly reject staffing reductions or loans:
- 50% call staff layoffs a low priority (only 19% say high priority)
- 53% call CPS borrowing a low priority (only 8% high priority)
Instead, they prefer:
- 43% advocating for more State money
- 34% state teacher pension equity
- 33% advocating for more City revenue
Governor Pritzker Viewed as Most Trustworthy on CPS Issues
On confidence in various leaders to act in the best interest of CPS students:
- 63% have at least some confidence in Governor J.B. Pritzker — the highest of any actor tested
- 46% trust the Chicago Teachers Union
- 43% trust the Board of Education
- 35% trust Mayor Brandon Johnson
- 30% trust Interim CEO/Superintendent Macquline King — with 36% unsure, signaling low familiarity
About the Survey
- Field dates: September 16–29, 2025
- Respondents: 1,361 Chicago adults (age 18+)
- Margin of Error: ±3.73 percentage points
- Survey weighted to reflect Chicago’s demographic composition.
- Conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago.