Mayor Brandon Johnson Welcomes Seven New Members to the Chicago Board of Education
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CHICAGO ~ This morning, the Chicago Board of Education welcomed seven new members to their team. Olga Bautista, Michilla Blaise, Mary Gardner, Rev. Mitchell L. Ikenna Johnson, Deborah "Debby" Pope, Frank Niles Thomas and Rafael Yáñez were officially sworn in to begin their service to the Chicago Public School (CPS) System.

Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed his excitement for the new additions to the board, stating that he is looking forward to working with them as a CPS parent. He emphasized the importance of providing every Chicagoan with access to a fully resourced, equitable, safe, and healthy learning environment in their neighborhood.

In addition to this commitment, Mayor Johnson has also promised to provide CPS with the maximum tax increment financing amount. The new board members are in agreement with this decision and have also pledged to honor those who have worked for CPS in the past by covering the cost of their pensions.

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This marks a significant change for CPS as it transitions to an elected representative school board in 2025. For the first time on November 5, 2024, there will be elected members on the board and it will consist of 21 individuals - 11 appointed by the mayor and 10 elected.

The new board members began their service today at the Agenda Review Committee Meeting and will preside over their first Board meeting on November 1, 2024. Reverend Mitchell L. Ikenna Johnson expressed his gratitude for being sworn in as President of the Chicago Board of Education and stated his commitment to serving alongside his fellow board members and Mayor Johnson in achieving equity and growth in CPS.

With this shift towards a hybrid elected and appointed Board, current members and Mayor Johnson understand the importance of laying a strong foundation during this transition period for the benefit of students and families in Chicago Public Schools. As they work towards this goal together, they aim to fulfill their moral obligation to the communities they serve by supporting neighborhood schools.

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