Sendhil Revuluri Entered Chicago Board Race
Former board member seeks the presidency as CPS faces budget gaps this fall.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Administration
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Should your local school board consolidate schools to address budget deficits?
Sendhil Revuluri has announced his candidacy for president of the Chicago Board of Education ahead of this fall's election. The race follows the board's approval of a $10 billion district budget that remains partially unfunded.
Why it matters
The election carries significant stakes for local families, as the district navigates a budget shortfall that threatens to disrupt school operations. Revuluri is campaigning on a platform that centers student success and advocates for potential school closures to address enrollment needs.
The Chicago Board of Education recently authorized a $10 billion budget for the district. This plan currently lacks $150 million in state funding that the board requested from Illinois lawmakers.
The players
Sendhil Revuluri
A candidate for Chicago Board of Education president who previously served as the board's vice president and worked in the CPS Office of High School Teaching and Learning.
Chicago Board of Education
The governing body for the Chicago Public Schools that manages district policy, school closures, and a multi-billion dollar annual budget.
The details
The board president position, now elected by voters, manages district operations including the $10 billion budget. Revuluri, who previously worked in the CPS Office of High School Teaching and Learning, proposes right-sizing the district by closing schools with low enrollment to align with current student populations. The budget process is expected to create ongoing disruptions for local students, families, and educators as the district seeks to balance its accounts.
Timeline
Sendhil Revuluri served as board vice president from 2019 to 2023.
The Chicago Board of Education approved the $10 billion budget in July 2026.
Chicago voters will elect a board president in the fall of 2026.
The Home Front
The district's current budgetary challenges reflect a broader, documented trend of financial volatility within the Chicago Public Schools system. This election cycle marks a departure from previous leadership structures as voters take a direct role in selecting school board governance.
Families should monitor upcoming school district updates regarding the budget and potential enrollment adjustments. Keep an eye on your local school calendar for town halls or board meetings that may address how funding shortfalls impact specific neighborhood classrooms.
The takeaway
The upcoming election for board president is a crucial development for the financial stability of district schools. Families should track how candidate proposals regarding school closures might affect their local neighborhood schools in the coming academic year.
Further reading
For updates on local school oversight and district policy, visit Administration.
Live Poll
Should your local school board consolidate schools to address budget deficits?
