Chicago Voters Will Elect New School Board Members
On November 3, 2026, Chicago residents will cast ballots to determine the composition of a 21-member school board.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Administration
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Chicago will transition its governance to a fully elected 21-member Board of Education on November 3, 2026. This new board will oversee Chicago Public Schools, which currently serves more than 315,000 students.
Why it matters
The shift to an elected board changes how local educational priorities are represented for the families of over 315,000 students. This transition, mandated by state law, creates a direct line between district taxpayers and the governing body managing a $10 billion budget.
The new 21-member board will consist of a president elected district-wide and 20 representatives from specific subdistricts. This group will manage Chicago Public Schools, which employs 45,000 people and funds 626 individual schools.
The players
Macquline King
The district superintendent responsible for managing the operations of Chicago Public Schools.
Chicago Public Schools
The local school district serving over 315,000 students across 626 schools with a $10 billion budget.
The details
The transition follows state bills passed in 2021 and 2024 to move the district away from an appointed system. Voters will select a board president through a city-wide contest, while 20 members will be chosen by voters within their respective subdistricts. Once seated, the board president will hold no veto power over district operations managed by Superintendent Macquline King.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: Fox Chicago hosts a debate for the four board president candidates.
September 24, 2026: Early voting begins across Illinois.
November 3, 2026: Election Day for the Chicago School Board.
January 15, 2027: The new term for elected board members begins.
The Home Front
This move to a fully elected board follows the structural requirements established by the 2021 and 2024 state legislative bills. It marks a significant departure from the district's historical reliance on appointed leadership.
Families with students in the district should review their designated subdistrict to identify the candidates on their ballot. Plan to research candidate stances on school funding and local policy to prepare for the November 3, 2026 election.
The takeaway
The upcoming election marks the transition of the district toward direct voter accountability for its $10 billion budget. Households should verify their polling place information before November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local governance changes, visit the Chicago administration section.
Live Poll
Do you trust that an elected school board will improve local public school management?
