The Illinois House of Representatives passed legislation last week implementing an elected school board for Chicago Public Schools after years of negotiations and advocate input. As a product of an elected school board, Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch applauded the bill’s passage and all those who worked to get it done.  “With the passage of this legislation, we made history and we’re charting a brighter future for generations to come,” said Speaker Welch. “Chicagoans in every part of the city can begin to circulate petitions to run for their school board in just three weeks and this November every Chicagoan will be able to vote for an elected representative who will answer to them. Passing this legislation allows us to keep our promise to allow every Chicagoan to have a say in their school board. Williams’ Senate Bill 15 codifies district boundaries and an election procedure consistent with a compromise phasing in a fully-elected Chicago school board. This plan allows every Chicago voter to elect a Chicago School Board member in 2024. Ten elected representatives will serve alongside appointed members, who must also reside in those specific districts. Beginning in 2026, the districts will be subdivided into 20 districts, and voters will select a fully elected board. A board president will also be elected citywide in 2026.