The Chicago Board of Education unveiled its commitment to increase transparency and promote public engagement in Chicago Public Schools last Wednesday. The new Board of Education revealed a series of initiatives that will facilitate stronger monthly Board meetings. A total of seven priority reforms were announced shortly after the beginning of last week’s meeting, which marked the first meeting under President del Valle and the seven Board members. The following are a few of the reforms announced at the Board meeting by Board President del Valle:

Public Agenda Item Discussion: To provide greater insight into items on the public agenda and allow the public to hear feedback from Board members on a range of agenda items, Board meetings beginning today will include a new section for Board members to discuss select priority items from the public agenda prior to public participation. Agenda items involving new policies, significant spending, and topics of public interest will be highlighted each meeting.

Advance Policy Posting: At the July 2019 Board Meeting, the Board will vote on a rule change that will require all policy additions and revisions to be posted publicly one month in advance of a Board vote. This change will provide members of the public with time to review and provide feedback on proposed policy changes in advance of the Board’s consideration.  

Community-Based Board Meetings: Beginning later this year, the Board will again begin holding periodic Board meetings in the community in the late afternoon and evening. Hosting meetings outside the Loop will allow a larger group of community members to participate in meetings and provide valuable feedback to the Board and the district.