To provide the public with greater control in making decisions for their neighborhood schools, State Representative Theresa Mah, D-Chicago, recently announced support for legislation that would convert Chicago Board of Education from an appointed body to one that is elected by the residents of the City of Chicago. “The public needs to have greater input into how our neighborhood schools are being run,” said Mah. “This legislation would give a stronger voice to the residents of Chicago with regard to how their young people are educated and prepared for their future careers.” House Bill 1774 would make the Chicago Board of Education an elected body. Currently, the board of trustees is comprised of appointees selected by the mayor. Advocates for the legislation argue the public needs to have more of a say in how tax dollars are being spent at the neighborhood school level, as well as the need to ensure accountability and transparency among its board members. “Chicago’s public school system needs to be made to better represent the diversity of our city,” said Mah. “This legislation will engage more community members in the decision-making processes that affect thousands of students in the CPS system.” Mah is serving her first term in the Illinois General Assembly as State Representative of the 2nd District, which includes the Chicago neighborhoods of Pilsen, Chinatown, Bridgeport, McKinley Park, Brighton Park and Back of the Yards. She is also a member of the Local School Council at Thomas Kelly High School, where she has served for the past five years.