The Chicago Board of Education: Roles, Responsibility, and Governing Principles
Summer/Fall 2026
Principles That Must Guide Every Board Decision
Chicago’s education community believes good governance for Chicago’s schools means a Board that governs 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.
The upcoming transition to a fully elected school board is an opportunity to build a Board that governs with purpose, transparency, and accountability while keeping students at the center, respecting the voice of school communities, and making decisions grounded in evidence and the long-term health of the district. The following principles reflect what CEA and Chicago’s education community believes must guide that work.
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)
Education Community Committee
Indo-American Center
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 Chicago Public Education Fund
VOCEL