Brandon Johnson
Latest news on Chicago’s 57th mayor.
Officials are considering opening more so-called specialty schools meant to help students with more challenging disabilities transition into the real world.
Preliminary data analyzed by Chalkbeat shows just over 322,000 students were enrolled as of the 20th day of school, when the district takes an official count. The stable number comes after a decade of dramatic annual declines.
The shift raises questions about who schools are serving, how they should be resourced, and what the district — and the city — can do as it continues to lose students.
As new members join Chicago mayor’s youth commission, Chalkbeat Chicago spoke to two teens who have served on the group, advising city leadership on education.
An email to parents outlined Chicago Public Schools plan for Wednesday and Thursday when temperatures are forecast to be close to 100 degrees.
As roughly 320,000 students went back to class across Chicago, the district faces a number of challenges for the new school year.
The issues include the city’s precarious funding situation, enrollment shifts, and what support will look like for migrant students.
About 350 teens and young adults gathered at Harold Washington Library to discuss mental health, affordable housing, the environment, and more.
At the first official meeting of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s handpicked school board, the new members announced several changes to encourage more transparency and public participation, including an increase in the number of speakers allowed each month.
As board members introduced themselves, some noted how they’ve shifted from being vocal critics of the system to positions of power.
The invitation to discuss the budget comes as Johnson tries to involve young people in government decision making.
Jianan Shi, of the parent group Raise Your Hand, will replace departing board President Miguel del Valle. Elizabeth Todd-Breland is the only existing member who will continue on the board.
In a Wednesday letter, the advocates asked the mayor’s office to do an open call for members, increase transparency around the qualifications for selection, and outline the administration’s goals for the composition of the school board.
A decade after leaving the classroom to help the Chicago Teachers Union build political power and improve conditions outside schools, Brandon Johnson has been sworn in as the city’s 57th mayor.
The election of a teachers union organizer over a former district chief in Chicago is a win for local progressives. It could also be a bellwether for public education policy in the historically Democratic city and beyond.
Chalkbeat Chicago sat down with Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson for a brief interview. He talked about being the last mayor with control of Chicago Public Schools, what he told his kids about his new job, and what it means to be a public school parent.
Johnson won with 51.4% of the vote, according to preliminary election results. He will be the last mayor with control of Chicago Public Schools.
As the Chicago Teachers Union found its political footing, Johnson worked on the union’s front line. Now, his years of knocking on doors might be his secret weapon to win over voters.
The Cook Commissioner and Teachers Union organizer’s education platform includes tackling the district’s school funding model and providing free public transit rides and universal child care.
If you value Chalkbeat, consider making a donation
Chalkbeat is a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to providing the information families and educators need, but this kind of work isn’t possible without your help.
