Parents feel left out of the debate about how a new CPS School Board should be structured, according to the results of focus groups conducted by Kids First Chicago (K1C). While the parents differed on the type of model — appointed, elected or hybrid — they overwhelmingly supported a Board that would reflect the diversity of the district and include parents.  Last legislative session a bill passed the Illinois House which would have created a 21-member elected school board. The bill was not voted on by the Senate and is expected to be reintroduced this session.  Regardless of where they fell on the Board structure, the majority supported:

• A process that involves CPS parents in the development of the Board model

• A Board reflective of the diversity of CPS

• Having both the Mayor and the Board held accountable to schools

• The City continuing to back CPS financially

• Between 10 and 16 members on the Board

• Ninety percent want more than half of members to be CPS Parents

• Board members who are involved in schools today (Local School Council members, parent groups, etc.)

The full findings can be found at: kidsfirstchicago.org/school-board-governance