Chicago’s Yet-to-be-Elected School Board Sparks Controversy Over Representation
Recently, state lawmakers in Chicago released their latest map of the voting districts for the upcoming elections to the elected school board that will govern Chicago Public Schools (CPS). This move has sparked a heated debate over representation and has led to fierce pushback from activists who believe that the school board should reflect the demographics of the student body rather than the population of the city itself.
The activists’ argument stems from the stark disparity between the city’s population composition and the enrollment within CPS. Chicago’s population consists of roughly 29% Latino, 29% Black, and 33% white individuals, while CPS enrollment comprises 47% Latino, 35% Black, and 11% white students. Their contention is that individuals with children in school have a greater stake in CPS policies and should, therefore, be proportionally represented on the school board. However, this argument challenges the fundamental democratic principle of one person, one vote.
If we were to follow this logic, it would open the door to disenfranchising senior citizens and those without school-age children. Should individuals without children have less representation? What about families with multiple children in school—is their stake higher? The answer, according to common sense, the law, and the principles of democratic governance, is no.
The reality is that many voters in most school districts, including CPS, do not currently have a child enrolled. Undermining the voices of these individuals could risk eroding support for public education when it is most needed. It is crucial to remember that all citizens of Chicago share a vested interest in the success of public schools. The decisions made by the school board impact every resident, and the prosperity of the entire city is at stake.
Moreover, it is worth noting that nearly all Chicagoans contribute to CPS through property taxes, whether directly or indirectly. In fact, CPS comprises the majority of the tax bill for most people, generating more taxes than the city of Chicago or Cook County. If we were to apply the same kind of racial calculus to property taxation that others have applied to enrollment, we would find that majority white census blocks contribute 65% of CPS residential property tax revenue, while majority Latino and Black blocks contribute 14% and 8%, respectively.
However, these figures do not mean that white voters should be overrepresented on the elected school board. Disparities in taxes simply reflect existing wealth discrepancies, and paying more taxes does not equate to deserving more representation, just as having children in school does not grant someone special voter status. The principle of one person, one vote, as established by the U.S. Supreme Court in Reynolds v. Sims, should prevail. It is essential to draw districts based on population, not school enrollment or tax payments.
The current map released by state mapmakers includes five majority white districts, seven majority Black districts, six majority Latino districts, and two districts without a single majority group. Despite this representation, some activists are calling for further revisions to align the map more closely with enrollment-based representation. However, it is crucial for state mapmakers to resist these demands for increased gerrymandering. Such actions would not only be illegal but also illogical.
The establishment of an elected school board should serve as an opportunity to engage and unite all Chicagoans in the vital task of educating future generations. Education advocates should focus their efforts on building widespread support for schools, which will prove critical in the face of significant challenges ahead. While CPS achieved a record-high graduation rate in 2023, it still confronts hurdles such as declining enrollment, an unsustainable budget, and subpar academic proficiency rates. All Chicagoans, whether as parents, taxpayers, neighbors, business owners, or simply responsible citizens, have a significant stake in the success of CPS and should work together to enable the new school board to overcome these obstacles.
As discussions continue and decisions are made regarding the elected school board, it is imperative to prioritize fair and equal representation for all residents of Chicago. A united front is necessary to ensure the future success of CPS and provide the best education possible for the city’s students.
