Donors Poured Millions Into Chicago School Board Race
As Chicago voters head to the polls, school board candidates have seen record-setting financial backing.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Administration
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Michael Sacks has contributed over $2 million to the Common Ground Collective, a group actively supporting candidates for the Chicago Board of Education. This effort seeks to influence the board's future makeup following the approval of a $13 billion teachers contract.
Why it matters
The influx of campaign funding reflects a broader push by donors to shift the balance of power on the Chicago Board of Education. Supporters of this effort state their primary goal is ensuring board independence from the Chicago Teachers Union.
Michael Sacks provided over $2 million to the Common Ground Collective, which is backing candidates like Carlos Rivas. This spending occurs alongside the administration of a $13 billion teachers contract approved by the current Board of Education.
The players
Michael Sacks
A major political donor who has contributed over $2 million to the Common Ground Collective.
Common Ground Collective
A political group that funds candidates who oppose Chicago Teachers Union-endorsed school board members.
Carlos Rivas
A current member of the Chicago Board of Education seeking to maintain his seat.
Chicago Teachers Union
The labor organization that negotiates contracts and endorses candidates for the school board.
Jason Dónes
A school board candidate currently receiving endorsements from local elected officials.
The details
Donors like Sacks utilize groups like the Common Ground Collective to pool resources for school board candidates who oppose Chicago Teachers Union-backed platforms. These funds support campaign activities in specific districts, including those within Humboldt Park, as groups vie for a majority on the Board of Education. Elected officials have also begun issuing endorsements to sway voters ahead of the upcoming election cycles.
Timeline
Early voting begins at the downtown Super Site on October 2, 2026.
Early voting opens across all 50 Chicago wards on October 19, 2026.
The Home Front
Recent campaign spending marks a departure from traditional school board election patterns in Chicago. This trend highlights the increasing influence of outside capital in local administrative governance following the adoption of the $13 billion teachers contract.
Chicago residents should check their local ward’s early voting schedules to plan their participation in the school board election. Review the candidates in your specific district, including those in Humboldt Park, to understand how their platform impacts future school board policies.
The takeaway
The race for the Board of Education is heavily influenced by large-scale contributions aimed at changing the board's majority. Voters should verify their assigned polling locations and candidate lists before early voting begins on October 19, 2026.
What happens next
Early voting commences at the downtown Super Site on October 2, 2026, followed by citywide ward voting on October 19, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local leadership, see our guide to Chicago Administration.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC7 Chicago.
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