By: Ashmar Mandou

Current Executive Director for the Taproot Foundation and Chicago native Jaime Guzman was recently recommended to serve as Vice President on the Chicago Board of Education, replacing Jesse Ruiz, who stepped down to serve as President to the Board of Commissioners of the Chicago Park District. “I am honored to be nominated to serve the Board of Education, and I am excited to begin working on behalf of Chicago’s children to improve educational opportunities throughout our great city,” said Jaime Guzman. “I am confident that my experience in both the classroom and the boardroom will lend itself well as I work alongside CPS leadership and our Mayor to continue investing in our classrooms and our children’s futures.”

As Executive Director for the Taproot Foundation, Guzman connected social change organizations with skilled volunteers through pro bono service. He also graduated from both Dartmouth and Harvard University and has worked as Chief Advisor to the Board of Trustees of the City Colleges of Chicago, Director of the Office of New Schools. Guzman also served as a bilingual teacher in the Little Village community. Guzman replaces Ruiz this month, following his nomination to the Chicago Park District board in November 2015. Ruiz served as Vice President of the Chicago Board of Education from May of 2011 through December 2015, including a three-month stint as Interim CEO of Chicago Public Schools (CPS). “It’s been a tremendous honor to serve on the board for the past four years, and though my departure is bittersweet, I am confident that our schools are in good hands with Jaime’s appointment,” said former Vice President to the Board of Education, Jesse Ruiz. “Jaime has an impressive track record of enacting change through his service to the public sector, which will make him a tremendous asset to the Board as it continues to ensure accountability in our schools and a first-rate education that will prepare our students for 21st century success.”

Guzman will head over this month’s Board meeting, held on Wednesday, January 27th at CPS headquarters. During the same meeting, fellow members will vote to approve his recommendation to serve as Vice President.