Illinois House Overwhelmingly Passes Legislation For Elected School Board In Chicago

Author: 
Chicagoist.com

Chicago education activists who’ve been battling for years to rid the city of its mayoral appointed school board saw a big victory in Springfield Thursday as the House overwhelmingly passed [leglslation] that paves the way for an elected one.

Should the bill go on to clear the Senate and get Gov. Bruce Rauner’s approval, it would replace the current mayoral appointed board of seven members with 21 members. Chicago would be divided into 20 districts, and a board chair would run citywide. Members would serve one term of five years and then run every four years for reelection. The first election would be held in 2018.

Chicago is the only district in Illinois with an appointed board. Support for an elected board has been widespread in the city, particularly after Mayor Rahm Emanuel—who’s been a longstanding opponent—presided over the largest public school closings in history. The Chicago Teacher’s Union, student activists, and a laundry list of local legislators have all attempted to push for the measure. During last year’s mayoral race, a non-binding resolution in 38 wards showed overwhelming public support.

According to the Sun-Times, applause broke out in the House after the bill passed.

http://chicagoist.com/2016/03/03/illinois_house_overwhelmingly_passe.php

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