Hearings Scheduled to Gather Input, Consider Adjustments
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate and House Democratic caucuses today released a draft Chicago Elected School Board District map for the public to review ahead of hearings to gather feedback and consider potential changes.
The draft map is available for review at www.ilsenateredistricting.com and www.ilhousedems.com/redistricting. The proposal incorporates suggestions gathered through online map making portals and citywide public hearings, including requests to keep communities of interest as whole as possible and to ensure the maps reflect the diversity of Chicago. The map consists of 20 potential districts, and lawmakers are soliciting input on the best way to make sure the 2024 election provides equitable representation for all of Chicago’s communities.
The House will hold a hearing on the draft map in-person Saturday at 10 a.m. at Curie High School, 4959 S Archer Avenue in Chicago. Feedback can also be emailed at any time to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The Senate Special Committee on the Chicago Elected Representative School Board will hold a virtual meeting to receive testimony regarding the proposed map at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9 at www.ilga.gov.
Additional opportunities to provide comment can be accessed online at www.ilsenateredistricting.com or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
“We thank the dedicated and passionate students, parents and educators who took time to share their perspectives on the best way to ensure the leadership of our state’s largest school district reflects the diversity of our neighborhoods. This draft map is intended to continue those conversations as the legislature works toward adopting boundaries that will help empower families and uplift children,” said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford, Chair of the Special Committee on the Chicago Elected Representative School Board.
“Chicago’s new elected school board is a major step forward for representation. Moving to a popularly elected board is about equity for all Chicago communities, giving everyone a say and a stake in the future of our neighborhoods. Delivering on this goal starts with districts that reflect our unique and diverse communities,” said Rep. Ann Williams, who leads the House Democrats’ CPS Districting Working Group. “People in neighborhoods across our city deserve a voice in our schools, and using their insight to help shape the districts can make that a reality.”
The General Assembly faces a July 1 deadline to draw Chicago school board districts, which must be consistent with the Illinois Voting Rights Act. That law ensures districts are crafted in a way that preserves clusters of minority voters if they are of size or cohesion to exert collective electoral power.
Currently appointed by the mayor, the Chicago Board of Education will transition to become fully-elected over the course of a two-year hybrid period.
During the November 2024 election, ten members of the Chicago Board of Education will be elected by voters, and ten members and the board president will be appointed by the mayor. Elected members will serve four-year terms, while appointed members, including the appointed board president, will serve two-year terms. The board will become fully-elected after the November 2026 general election.
“With this proposal, we are another step closer to our goal of community-led education that puts students first,” said Sen. Robert Martwick, Vice-Chair of the Special Committee on the Chicago Elected Representative School Board and sponsor of the legislation creating an elected school board in Chicago. “This is an exciting transition that will bring much-needed accountability and transparency to Chicago Public Schools.”
“To address the challenges facing our schools, we must ensure the Board of Education includes voices from across our vibrant communities,” said Sen. Omar Aquino, Vice-Chair of the Special Committee on the Chicago Elected Representative School Board. “While our work is not yet done, our focus remains on ensuring better representation for all of our neighborhoods.”
