Our Power, Our Schools: The Parent Engagement Institute Chicago Coalition Gets Out the Vote
For too long, Chicago has been the only city in Illinois without an elected school board—but that’s about to change. During the 2024 General Election on November 5, Chicago voters will elect their school board members for the first time ever.
This moment is about all of us—about building our collective power, ensuring our voices are heard, and shaping the future of education in Chicago and across the state. Every community in Illinois plays a part in creating stronger, more equitable schools for all students.
Join the Parent Engagement Institute Chicago Coalition (PEICC) in an exciting and historic moment. We encourage you to dive into this newsletter to learn more about PEICC’s work, why this election matters, and how you can access valuable resources to make your voice heard this November.
Who We Are
PEICC is a coalition of Parent Mentor community organizations representing Chicago’s largest network of neighborhood school parents. Our mission is simple but powerful: to ensure that every community is actively engaged and represented in Chicago’s first-ever school board elections on November 5, 2024.
Our Parent Mentors work in classrooms every day, filling equity gaps with love and attention while striving for the schools and communities our children deserve. Now, it’s time for our schools to reflect the dreams of the neighborhoods they serve.
Watch Our Story
Check out our video to learn more about the faces and voices behind PEICC and why this election is so critical for the future of public education in Chicago. It’s time to co-create the future of our city’s schools—together.
Why This Election Matters
This historic election is our chance to directly influence the future of public education. For the first time, school board members will be elected by the parents, families, and community members of Chicago instead of being appointed. This shift ensures that local voices and concerns are heard at the highest levels of education leadership, bringing greater transparency and accountability.
The election will be held across multiple districts, each representing the diverse communities of our city. Your vote will decide who will represent your district on the school board, a step forward in creating a more equitable and inclusive educational system for all.
Get Prepared to Vote: Essential Information and Resources
We’ve gathered all the essential tools and information to help you participate in this historic election. Visit our resources page to:
View the Sample Ballot and Candidate List
Explore Proposed District Boundaries and Parent Mentor Program Schools
Register to Vote and Find Your District
And much more!
Map of Chicago Parent Mentor Program Schools by School Board Districts
This map highlights Chicago schools in the Parent Mentor Program within the boundaries of the new school board districts. Use it to find your school’s district and stay informed ahead of the upcoming Chicago school board elections.
School Board Candidate Forums for Chicago Parent Mentors This Friday
Join us on Friday, October 18, for school board candidate forums hosted by PEICC and our partner organizations. With concurrent forums on the Northside and Southside, this is our chance to hear directly from candidates and learn about their vision for the future of Chicago’s public schools.
Southside Forum
Friday, Oct 18 10am-12pm
Districts 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 ESB Candidates
Hosted by PEICC, Teamwork Englewood, Southwest Organizing Project, Southside Help Center, Future Ties, District Outreach Industries, Mr. Dad’s Father’s Club, Westside Health Authority, Youth Guidance
Northside Forum
Friday, Oct 18 9:30am-11am
District 3 ESB Candidates
Co-Hosted by PEICC, Palenque LSNA, and Northwest Center
Other Key Dates You Need to Know
October 3 – Early in-person voting begins in downtown Chicago
October 18 – PEICC Southside & Northside ESB Candidate Forums
October 21 – Early voting in all 50 wards of Chicago
October 31 – Vote By Mail Application Deadline
November 5 – General Election Day
