Two groups advocating for school choice and charter schools have accumulated over $3.6 million in donations ahead of Chicago's inaugural school board election in November.
Two groups advocating for school choice and charter schools have amassed over $3.6 million in donations combined ahead of Chicago's inaugural school board election in November, the Chicago Sun Times reported.
The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), which has advocated for an elected school board, has endorsed 10 candidates. However, two groups supporting school choice and charter schools have raised significant funds that could potentially challenge the union's influence.
Chicago School Board Race: Groups Supporting School Choice Amass Millions
The Urban Center Action (UCA) and Illinois Network of Charter Schools' (INCS) independent expenditure committees have received a combined $3.6 million from business leaders and billionaires. These groups have been critical of the CTU in the past.
Both UCA and INCS have set up independent expenditure committees to accept cash donations, similar to PACs. Unlike PACs, independent expenditure committees cannot coordinate directly with candidates and can accept unlimited amounts of money.
Chicago School Board Race: Groups Supporting School Choice Amass Millions
Juan Rangel, founder of UCA, stated that the group will support candidates who are "independent thinkers" and promote a "balanced debate." State election records show that UCA received over $671,000 in donations in less than two months.
INCS President Andrew Broy said the group intends to participate in most school board races and potentially contribute to state house elections. Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings reportedly donated $100K to INCS.
Chicago School Board Race: Groups Supporting School Choice Amass Millions
The Chicago school board election marks a significant change, as previously the board was appointed. A 2021 law mandated an elected school board for the city, with 10 of the 21 board members elected and 11 appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson.
The CTU has been fighting for an elected school board and its political power could be at stake in these races. Austin Berg, VP of marketing at the Illinois Policy Institute, suggested that the CTU's efforts could either secure greater control of the school district or face challenges in implementing its policies.
Chicago School Board Race: Groups Supporting School Choice Amass Millions
The Chicago school board has previously supported removing police from schools and shifting away from a school choice model towards emphasizing neighborhood schools. The CTU has not yet responded to a request for comment.
