January 2025
Introduction
From Members of Kids First Chicago’s Parent Advisory Board
We’ve watched Chicago’s schools change over the years, often with little input from families—and that’s been frustrating. Now, as we transition to an elected school board, we feel a new wave of hope for genuine accountability and inclusion. Some of us remain cautious, though, because we’ve been here before. The open question is whether this new incoming board will treat parents not just as spectators, but as real partners in shaping decisions that affect our children’s futures.
This report highlights the urgency for authentic parent and community engagement. We need a board that uses data and real stories to drive policy, addresses opportunity gaps head-on, and ensures our insights influence solutions. We’re looking for change that’s felt in our neighborhoods and schools, not just discussed in downtown offices. We want a Board that prioritizes the well-being and outcomes of our children above all else.
As you explore these recommendations, we invite you to join in turning hope into action. An elected board alone won’t close Chicago’s trust gap, but a collaborative, transparent approach to governance can.
Let’s build a culture where families, educators, and communities work side by side to ensure every student has the chance to learn, grow, and succeed.
Melanie Lopez, Darlene O’Banner, and Yolanda Williams
From the Mikva Challenge Student Advisory Council
As youth leaders, we want to express our strong support for the recommendations and hopes shared by parents and guardians. Together, we believe that collaboration is key to creating a school system where every student’s voice, experience, and needs are heard, valued, and seen.
We’re excited to continue working alongside the new Chicago Board of Education members to make these goals a reality. These recommendations reflect our shared vision of equity and inclusion, and we urge the Board to prioritize them as they begin their work. Let’s ensure that students aren’t just part of the conversation but are central to shaping the future of education in Chicago. We’re ready to collaborate and bring our unique perspectives and experiences to the table to help make this happen.
Thank you for your commitment to our schools and communities. We look forward to building a school system that reflects and serves everyone.
Amari Roberts
On behalf of the Mikva Challenge Student Advisory Council
Recommendations for CPS School Board Members
The recommendations – grouped into five categories – are designed to help the Chicago Board of Education create more effective governance and inclusive operating practices. Drawing on national best practices, conversations with former CPS board members and staff, and direct input from families, these ideas were reviewed and endorsed by K1C’s Fair Governance Task Force.
1. Governance
2. Inclusive Engagement Structures
3. Board Training and Support
4. Transparency and Communication
5. Relationship Building
To deliver on the promise of more democratic governance, CPS must commit to new, family-centered practices, closing the trust gap that has limited progress for too long.
Kids First Chicago Priorities for Chicago’s School Board
Kids First Chicago’s Parent Advisory Board has been working to elevate parents’ priorities for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) governance since 2019. Kids First Chicago’s parent-led Fair Governance Task Force launched in 2021. Since then, Kids First Chicago has surveyed CPS parents and Chicago voters and presented to thousands of families and communities. Parents’ priorities for the CPS school board remain constant; they want:
Kids-first, data-driven decisions: The school board should share transparent information about where schools and students are.
Fair racial representation: The school board should reflect the student body it serves.
Parent seats on the board: Some Board seats should be reserved for CPS parents.
Non-citizen participation: Parents should be allowed to vote, regardless of immigration status.
Campaign spending limits: Money should not determine who wins.
Compensation: Board Members should receive some compensation for their time.
The practices of the Board of Education can advance some of these priorities, but state-level legislative reform will be needed to achieve others.
Acknowledgments
Kids First Chicago gratefully acknowledges the CPS parents who lead our Fair Governance Task Force. These leaders include:
Baltazar Enriquez, Farragut High School
Luz Maria Flores, Back of the Yards High School
Blaire Flowers, Milton Brunson Math and Science Specialty Academy, North Lawndale College Prep/Collins Campus
Carrie Glaspie, John Hay Elementary
Melanie Lopez, Foreman High School, Prussing Elementary
Lorena Lopez, Back of the Yards High School
Consuelo Martinez, Ray Graham Training Center High School
Brenda Rivera, Roberto Clemente High School, Inter-American Magnet School
Alma Sigala, Orozco Community Academy
Abigail Vences, Mather High School, Swift Elementary
Claiborne Wade, Austin, George Rogers Clark Elementary, Oscar DePriest Elementary
Yolanda Williams, Austin, Michelle Clark Magnet High School
We also express our appreciation to Ethan Ashley from School Board Partners, Dr. Luisiana Melendez of the Erikson Institute, and other former CPS board and staff members for their valuable insights shared during one-on-one interviews. Additionally, we thank the Mikva Challenge Student Advisory Council for its partnership. The members of the Mikva Student Advisory Council are:
Salvador Alfaro, Hubbard High School
Dawone Davis, Sullivan High School
Ami Desai, Northside College Prep
Dalila Flores, Mather High School
Owen Frasor, Lane Tech High School
Morgan Miree, South Shore High School
Orlando Montoya, Lake View High School
Sarah O'Malley, Senn High School
Lucy Ogbedie, Simeon High School
Andrea Orozco, Back of the Yards High School
Camila Ortiz, Lincoln Park High School
Valerie Perez, Solorio Academy
Johanna Ramirez, Back of the Yards High School
Jerry Salazar, Benito Juarez Community Academy
Laila Shadd, King College Prep
Karina Solano, Whitney Young
Aaliyah Strong, Brooks College Prep Academy
Angela Thomas, Roosevelt High School
Devine Valdez, Steinmetz High School
Cheyanne White, Wells Community Academy
De'Mijah Wiley, Kenwood Academy
Finally, we offer special thanks to the Square One Foundation for underwriting this research project and Lauren Burdette with LBurd LLC for leading this collaborative project.