New Chicago School Board Takes Charge Amid Union Contract Talks

A new era has begun for Chicago Public Schools with the swearing-in of a hybrid school board. This board, made up of elected and mayoral-appointed members, faces immediate financial challenges and tense negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) for a new contract. The power struggle has been ongoing for months, with the previous board voting to fire the district CEO over disagreements on a high-interest loan. The mayor, who has appointed board members for nearly three decades, is now navigating a new power dynamic. The CTU, which backed the mayor's campaign, is pushing for higher salaries and more educators in underserved schools. The board's vice president, Olga Bautista, and president, Sean Harden, are tasked with leading these crucial discussions. While the board aims to prioritize students' interests, the financial constraints and union demands pose significant hurdles. The shift to a partially-elected board marks a significant change in the district's oversight, with all seats set to be elected by 2027.