Chicago Will Elect New School Board in November

The city's transition to a fully elected Board of Education culminates in a November 3, 2026, general election.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Administration

Chicago Will Elect New School Board in November

Live Poll

Do you trust that an elected school board will improve local public school management?

Chicago voters will elect a 21-member Board of Education on November 3, 2026, marking the district's transition to a fully elected governance model. This new body will oversee operations for Chicago Public Schools, which serves more than 315,000 students across the city.

Why it matters

The change follows state legislation passed in 2021 and 2024, shifting the district away from an appointed board toward increased voter oversight of public education. The transition aims to grant residents a direct voice in the leadership of the citys massive school system.

Chicago Public Schools manages a budget of nearly $10 billion and employs more than 45,000 people. The district currently funds 626 schools across the city.

The players

Macquline King

She serves as the current superintendent of Chicago Public Schools.

Fox Chicago

This is a local media organization that is hosting the upcoming board president debate.

The details

The upcoming election features four candidates running for the district-wide president position, a role that notably carries no veto power. Members will take their seats following the election, with the full board officially commencing its term at the start of next year.

September 23, 2026: Fox Chicago hosts a board president debate.
September 24, 2026: Early voting begins in Illinois.
November 3, 2026: Election Day for the Chicago School Board.
January 15, 2027: New board member term begins.

Culture Shift

This transition marks a departure from historical governance patterns where board members were appointed rather than elected by the public. It mirrors a broader societal trend toward localizing control over large urban institutional systems.

Residents will now have a direct role in selecting the individuals who oversee the city's $10 billion education budget. This change requires voters to research candidates for both the district-wide president and their specific subdistrict representative.

The takeaway

Voters should prepare to research the platforms of multiple candidates running for the district-wide presidency and subdistrict seats. Participating in the upcoming election is the primary way residents can influence the management of the city school system.