Blog
Chicago Says Goodbye to Student-Based Budgeting. What's Next?
At its March 2024 Board meeting, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) announced plans to transition away from student-based budgeting (SBB).
The Case for Compensating Chicago School Board Members
Lorena Lopez and Consuelo Martinez, both members of Kids First Chicago’s Parent Advisory Board and Elected School Board Task Force who also serve on Local School Councils, share a compelling argument to compensate Chicago's elected school board members.
What’s Missing In Chicago’s New Elected School Board Legislation
As the bill heads to Governor Pritzker for final approval, Kids First Chicago weighs in on the Illinois General Assembly’s passage of Senate Bill 15, officially putting Chicago on the path for a partially-elected, partially-appointed Board of Education in 2025.
Springfield Considers Exempting Charters from Chicago’s School Closure Moratorium
Will the Illinois General Assembly grant power to the Chicago Board of Education to non-renew charters before a school closure moratorium lifts in 2025?
Funding Illinois' Future Responds to Governor's Budget Proposal, Claiborne Wade Weighs In
Published originally by Funding Illinois' Future coalition on Feb. 23, 2024.
K1C Signs onto Coalition for Authentic Community Engagement
Kids First Chicago and our Parent Advisory Board join two dozen other organizations calling on Mayor Johnson to push his appointed Chicago Board of Education to engage communities and families around CPS policymaking.
School Resource Officers Resolution Explained
February Board Meeting Likely to Mark End of Police in Chicago Schools.
Let Noncitizens Vote in Chicago School Board Elections
Published originally in the Chicago Sun-Times on Feb. 15, 2024.
What’s Behind Mayor Johnson Backing the House’s Elected School Board Proposal
Mayor Johnson recently informed Illinois Senate president Don Harmon he would like to see 10 Chicago school board seats up for election this November.
Families Deserve a Voice in Chicago's School Board Decision
Published originally in the Chicago Tribune on Jan. 29, 2024.
CPS on Verge of Deciding Charter Renewals
The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Board of Education will vote on the renewal term lengths for 47 charter campuses at its meeting this Thursday, January 25.
ISBE Set to Unveil Key FY2025 Budget Recommendations This Week
The State Board of Education gears up for a pivotal vote this week around evidence-based funding for FY2025.