Chicago's School Board Election: Your Voice Matters
This November, Chicago voters will elect a fully elected Chicago Board of Education for the first time. The Board sets the direction for Chicago Public Schools by overseeing district priorities, policies, leadership, and budget decisions that affect students across the city. While Teach For America Greater Chicago–Northwest Indiana does not endorse or oppose candidates, we encourage you to get informed, hear directly from candidates, and take action.
1. Get Informed
Find Your School Board District
Not sure which district you live in? Use Chalkbeat's interactive map to identify your district and learn which candidates will appear on your ballot.
Resource: Explore Chicago's School Board District Map
Source: Chalkbeat Chicago
Learn About the Board's Role
New to school board elections? Learn how the Chicago Board of Education influences district priorities, budgets, leadership decisions, and educational outcomes across CPS.
Resource: About the Chicago Board of Education
Source: Kids First Chicago
2. Hear Directly from Candidates
School Board President Candidate Forum Watch Party
When: Tuesday, September 15, 4:00 to 7:00 PM
Where: Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd.
Join Kids First Chicago and community partners to watch the live School Board President Candidate Forum broadcast from WTTW Studios. This community gathering will give attendees the opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking to lead Chicago's Board of Education, connect with fellow community members, and engage in conversation about the future of CPS.
Bonus: free parking (with validation), refreshments, and community performances.
RSVP: Register Here
Hosted by Kids First Chicago and community partners.
Citywide District Candidate Forum
When: Saturday, September 19, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Where: Intentional Sports, 1841 N. Laramie Ave.
Hosted by The Chicago Public Education Fund, Kids First Chicago, and the Chicago Education Alliance, this forum will bring together school board candidates from districts across Chicago. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear candidate perspectives on key issues facing CPS and gain insight before casting their vote.
RSVP: Register Here
Hosted by The Chicago Public Education Fund, Kids First Chicago, and Chicago Education Alliance.
CPS District 5 Candidate Forum
When: Tuesday, September 29, 6:00 to 7:30 PM (doors open at 5:30 PM)
Where: Noble Chicago Bulls Prep, 2040 W. Adams St.
Residents of District 5 are invited to hear directly from candidates seeking to represent their community on the Chicago Board of Education. The forum will provide an opportunity to learn about candidate priorities and ask questions about issues impacting local schools and students.
RSVP: Register Here
Hosted by Noble Schools.
CPS District 3 Candidate Forum
When: Wednesday, September 30, 6:00 to 7:30 PM (doors open at 5:30 PM)
Where: Noble Pritzker College Prep, 4131 W. Cortland St.
Meet the candidates running to represent District 3 and learn more about their priorities for Chicago Public Schools. This forum is an opportunity for community members to better understand candidate perspectives before Election Day.
RSVP: Register Here
CPS Districts 9B, 10A & 10B Candidate Forum
When: Tuesday, October 6, 6:00 to 7:30 PM (doors open at 5:30 PM)
Where: Perspectives Charter Schools, 8522 S. Lafayette Ave.
Community members are invited to hear from candidates running in Districts 9B, 10A, and 10B. Learn where candidates stand on the issues, hear their vision for Chicago's schools, and prepare to make an informed decision at the ballot box.
Hosted by Perspectives Charter Schools.
3. Take Action
Identify your district.
Learn about the candidates running in your district.
Attend a candidate forum.
Make a plan to vote on November 3, 2026.
Chicago's transition to an elected school board is a historic moment for public education. An informed vote is one way to help shape the future of our city's schools.
Nonpartisan Notice: Teach For America Greater Chicago Northwest Indiana does not endorse or oppose candidates. Resources and events are shared for educational and civic engagement purposes. Information is sourced from Kids First Chicago, Chalkbeat Chicago, Noble Schools, Perspectives Charter Schools, Chicago Education Alliance, and the Chicago Public Education Fund.