Introduction to the Chicago School Board Presidential Election

The upcoming Chicago school board presidential election is historic, marking the first time citywide voters will elect the president of the Chicago Board of Education. Previously, the mayor appointed this pivotal position. The board president holds significant influence over the 21-member body by steering agendas that cover everything from routine contracts to the district’s substantial budget. The board oversees 626 schools and serves 304,000 students, making it the third-largest school district in the United States.

Candidates for Chicago School Board President

Three candidates are vying for the role of president:

• Jessica Biggs: A former Chicago Public Schools principal, currently a board member for District 6B, and director at the Southwest Organizing Project.
• Hilario Dominguez: A former CPS special education teacher turned Chicago Teachers Union organizer, recently served as deputy political director for the CTU.
• Victor Henderson: A seasoned trial attorney with experience serving on the board of Urban Prep Academies.

Candidate Profiles

Jessica Biggs

Top Priorities:

1. Prioritize student learning by setting district goals and holding leadership accountable.
2. Effective governance through goal-setting, policy alignment, budget adoption, and CEO evaluation.
3. Achieve long-term financial stability with a multiyear recovery plan.

Positions on Key Issues:

• School Closings: Opposes mass closures, advocating for local authority on building needs.
• Additional State Funding: Criticizes reliance on uncertain state funding for budgeting.
• Property Tax Levy: Calls for state funding over dependency on local property taxes.

Read the Tribune’s full candidate profile on Jessica Biggs.

Hilario Dominguez

Top Priorities:

1. Implement universal full-day pre-K for children starting at age 3.
2. Improve school meal offerings with better rebidding of contracts.
3. Provide paid work opportunities for high school students before graduation.

Positions on Key Issues:

• School Closings: Against closures, promotes sustainable community schools.
• Additional State Funding: Supports budget based on anticipated funds, emphasizing public advocacy.
• Property Tax Levy: Supports levy when essential to prevent disinvestment.

Read the Tribune’s full candidate profile on Hilario Dominguez.

Victor Henderson

Top Priorities:

1. Enhance reading and math through data-driven program expansion.
2. Restore fiscal discipline and transparency in schools.
3. Guarantee safe, high-quality education for all students.

Positions on Key Issues:

• School Closings: Supports review-based decisions for school closures with a clear transition plan.
• Additional State Funding: Prioritizes classroom protection without relying on uncertain revenue.
• Property Tax Levy: Advocates for fiscal discipline before seeking more taxpayer money.

Read the Tribune’s full candidate profile on Victor Henderson.