chicago School Board Members Navigate Visibility, Campaign Plans Ahead of 2026 Elections
CHICAGO – As Chicago Public Schools’ (CPS) relatively new school board nears the midpoint of its term, members are actively assessing their public profiles and formulating plans for the 2026 elections. A recent Chalkbeat Chicago report reveals a spectrum of approaches, from members enjoying unexpected recognition to others actively working to establish a presence within the community.
The board, comprised of both elected and appointed members, faces the challenge of balancing governance with the demands of potential reelection campaigns. Several members are already engaging with constituents, while others are weighing their options and gauging support. This dynamic underscores the evolving landscape of school board leadership in Chicago, where visibility and community connection are proving crucial.
Board member Leslie Boyle noted a shift in public interactions, stating, “people have stopped her to talk about special education, the budget, and the former CEO,” and now feels compelled to ”put on a little makeup before I go,” due to the increased attention. In contrast, appointed member Liana Zaccor, who ran unsuccessfully in the fall 2024 election before being appointed by the mayor, spent this summer knocking on doors to ensure residents know she represents them and indicated she is “probably” running again.
Maria Rios-Sierra,also an appointed member,expressed a desire to overcome a sense of “invisibility,” stating,”I feel like I should take a little bit more time to get out there and connect with people and do my rounds and really have people see me and understand that I listen and that I can be of service.”
As of a recent count by Chalkbeat, nine of the 15 current board members intend to run in the next school board elections: elected members Biggs, Boyle, Custer, deberry, Gutierrez, Lopez, and rosenfeld, alongside appointed members Blaise and Bannon. Five others - elected member Brown and appointed members Zaccor, Rios-Sierra, Pope, and Cydney Wallace – are considering a run. Board President Harden and former board member Thomas have announced they will not seek reelection in 2026.
Wallace, a mother of four, is evaluating the potential for “grassroots help” should she decide to campaign.The upcoming election cycle promises to be a key moment for CPS, as the board’s composition will substantially impact the direction of the district in the years to come.
