About Chicago Board of Education · Chicago
The Chicago Board of Education, founded in 1840, governs and oversees Chicago Public Schools (CPS), one of the largest school districts in the U.S. It establishes policies, standards, and initiatives to ensure accountability and provide a high-quality education. After a period of reform starting in 1989, the Board transitioned from an appointed body to a hybrid elected-appointee structure in 2025, with full election planned for 2027. The Board consists of 11 members — 1 appointed by the mayor and 10 elected — who serve two-year terms. It is not a Catholic-owned entity.
The Chicago Board of Education is the governing body for Chicago Public Schools (CPS), responsible for policy, organizational, and financial oversight. Established in 1840, it underwent major reform in 1989 under the Chicago School Reform Act, which shifted control from the city to a new appointed board. In 2021, Illinois legislation began transitioning the Board to an elected model, finalized in 2024 with SB15. As of 2025, the Board operates as a 11-member hybrid body, with 20 elected members inducted in January 2025 and one additional appointed member in February 2025. The Board’s mission is to ensure accountability and deliver a world-class education preparing students for college, work, and life. It holds monthly meetings open to the public and manages committees focused on equity and special education. The Board is not affiliated with the Catholic Church and does not identify as Catholic-owned or faith-based.
- In business
- since 1840
- Serves
- Chicago, Illinois
About
The Chicago Board of Education, founded in 1840, is responsible for the governance, organizational and financial oversight of Chicago Public Schools (CPS), one of the largest school districts in the United States of America. The Board establishes policies, standards, goals and initiatives to ensure accountability and provide a high quality, world-class education for the 21st century that prepares our students for success in college, work and life.
History and Transition
In 1987, Secretary of Education William Bennett declared CPS as 'the worst in the nation.' In 1988, the Illinois General Assembly passed a school reform act, which authorized Mayor Richard M. Daley to take control of Chicago’s crisis-riddled education system. The Chicago School Reform Act officially took effect on May 1, 1989. In 2021, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed landmark legislation creating an elected school board for CPS. The Illinois General Assembly passed the final bill, SB15, in 2024. On Jan. 15, 2025, the Board inducted 20 members into its new, hybrid Board. An additional appointed member was inducted on Feb. 27, 2025. The Board will transition to a fully elected governing body in 2027.
Current Structure
The Board consists of 11 members, including the Board President, appointed by the mayor and 10 elected members representing individual districts. The transition from a 7-member appointed Board to a 21-member hybrid Board created what is now the largest governing body for a public school system in the United States. Current Board Members, who volunteer their time and service, will each serve a two-year term from Jan. 15, 2025, until Jan. 14, 2027.
Meetings and Public Engagement
Agenda Review Committee meetings are held monthly on the Second Wednesday and the Board meetings are held monthly on the fourth Thursday of every month, unless otherwise noted. Members of the public are welcome. Written comments, public comment, and observer registration are available for meetings. Past meetings and presentations are archived.