Chicago Voters Prepare for First Citywide School Board President Election

On November 3, Chicago voters will participate in the city's first-ever direct election for the president of the Board of Education. This transition follows more than 30 years of mayoral control over the school district.

The three remaining candidates are Hilario Dominguez, Jessica Biggs, and Victor Henderson. Dominguez, a former teachers union official, advocates for expanding preschool and increasing state funding. Biggs, a former principal, emphasizes financial stability and has garnered support from various business and community leaders. Henderson, an attorney and accountant, focuses on fiscal responsibility and student achievement.

The candidates offer varying perspectives on the future of the district. While Dominguez opposes school closures, other candidates suggest they would approach campus mergers with caution. Additionally, the candidates differ on their stance toward charter schools, with Henderson expressing support for their expansion while others suggest increased scrutiny.

Two other candidates, Sendhil Revuluri and Jennifer Custer, previously withdrew from the race. The incoming president will serve a four-year term, working alongside 20 board members to oversee district operations and policy.