For the first time in Chicago’s history, all 21 seats on the school board will appear on the November ballot. The transition from a board of seven mayoral appointees is underway, with a current mix of 10 elected and 11 appointed members. This change is part of a two-year shift toward a fully elected board.

Jessica Biggs

Jessica Biggs, representing parts of downtown and the South Side, announced her candidacy for president of the Chicago Board of Education. A director of the Southwest Organizing Project and former principal, Biggs prioritizes stabilizing the district’s financial situation. She aims to foster collaboration within the board to refocus on education, students, and school improvement.

“We spent a lot of the last year in political back-and-forth, and it feels like Chicago deserves to get back to a focus on teaching and learning,” Biggs stated.

Jennifer Custer

Jennifer Custer, from the Northwest Side and supported by the Chicago Teachers Union in 2024, often diverges from the union’s stance. As elections draw nearer, Custer declared her bid for school board president. She aims to review board processes for improved future success.

“Throughout this year-and-a-half process, I’ve often thought about what we could have done differently,” Custer remarked.

Hilario Domínguez

Hilario Domínguez, the political director of the Chicago Teachers Union, announced his intention to run for school board president. A former special education teacher, Domínguez seeks to protect Chicago Public Schools from budget cuts and advocate for additional state funding. The district’s budget relies on $150 million in extra state support.

Victor Henderson

Victor Henderson, an experienced trial attorney, stands as a candidate for school board president. His motivation stems from involvement with Urban Prep Academies, where he witnessed the positive impact of the school on students despite its challenges. Henderson emphasizes reducing political influence in the school system to prioritize educational priorities.

Sendhil Revuluri

Sendhil Revuluri, a former vice president of the Chicago Board of Education, announced his candidacy to lead the board. Focused on uniting the board to ensure children receive quality education, Revuluri highlights the universal agreement on the importance of learning for future opportunities. He is the first candidate to announce his candidacy for the upcoming election.