Chicago’s New Board of Education: Ambitious Plans Unveiled
Prioritizing Student-Centered Education: A Shift from Test Scores
The recently inaugurated Chicago Board of Education, carefully chosen by Mayor Brandon Johnson, made its debut with a compelling vision for transforming the city’s education system. At the core of this vision lies the commitment to creating an educational environment where parents of students with disabilities feel empowered to send their children. Central to this mission is a redefined concept of safety, one that actively seeks to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline.
Board President Jianan Shi, formerly the president of a parent advocacy group, emphasized the importance of viewing students as individuals with unique strengths and assets rather than mere test scores. This marks a significant departure from conventional assessment-focused approaches.
A Board of Activists and Organizers: A Fresh Perspective
In a marked departure from previous boards, the newly constituted board comprises individuals with strong backgrounds in grassroots organizing and nonprofit organizations, firmly rooted in activism. This infusion of fresh perspectives is expected to drive innovation and advocate for transformative change within the education system.
Enhancing Accessibility: Meeting Locations and Public Participation
Board President Shi, on behalf of the entire board, outlined several key priorities. Among these priorities is a concerted effort to make the school board more accessible to the public. Starting in August, monthly board meetings will be rescheduled to the fourth Thursday of each month, ensuring they do not clash with City Council meetings. Additionally, the board plans to hold some meetings within the community, expanding its outreach beyond the board’s Loop office.
Furthermore, the number of speakers at board meetings will increase from 20 to a capped limit of 30. Additionally, 30 additional speaking slots will be introduced at new pre-board meetings, where members receive briefings on agenda items. These changes aim to foster greater public engagement.
Addressing Critical Needs: From Green Schools to Staffing Ratios
The board’s agenda extends beyond accessibility improvements. It includes a commitment to create green schools, respond to community demands for a new high school, and explore options for making Uplift High School the neighborhood school for Uptown.
Crucially, school psychologists and nurses called attention to the need for additional positions and the fulfillment of existing vacancies. Rhonda Stone, a school psychologist, highlighted the importance of reducing the district’s ratio of school psychologists per student, which currently exceeds recommended levels. She raised questions about funding allocation and recruitment efforts to address these pressing concerns.
Moreover, the board received insights from speakers regarding disparities in information accessibility between North Side Local School Councils and schools on the West and South sides.
The inaugural meeting of the new board brought together teachers, parents, activists, and stakeholders, setting the stage for a journey toward a more inclusive, student-centered, and transformative education system in Chicago.
