Chicago Public Schools reminds residents interested in applying for candidacy in the District’s 2022 Local School Council (LSC) elections that the March 4 filing deadline is fast approaching. At-large community members who reside within the school’s attendance area or voting district boundaries, as well as parents, staff, and students in their respective school communities can run for the opportunity to serve as a member of this important school-based council.
| “Serving on a Local School Council in Chicago remains one of the most important ways that residents can make an impact in their community,” said CPS Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova. “We appreciate all those who roll up their sleeves and work alongside educators and neighbors to improve and strengthen our CPS schools.” | Important 2022 LSC Deadlines | |
| Candidate Application Period: Jan 3 – Mar. 4 Student Election Polls: April 18 & 19 Elementary Election Day: April 20 High School Election Day: April 21 |
LSCs make important decisions about how students will be educated in their respective communities. LSCs approve budgets, select principals, renew principal contracts, evaluate a principal’s professional performance and approve the school-based academic plan. Voting will take place on April 20 for elementary schools and April 21 for high schools while student polls will take place April 18-19, 2022. New members begin their terms on July 1, 2022.
The Office of Local School Council Relations will offer an informational webinar from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 22. There will be an LSC application and election process overview and potential candidates will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the role from a panel of serving LSC members. Guests are asked to register here in advance.
High school may have three student members and – new for this year’s election – students in 6th grade and up may run for a seat on their elementary school council. Student terms are for one year and student LSC members can vote on most measures before the council, including the School’s Continuous Improvement Work Plan (CIWP), textbook selection, filling LSC vacancies, fundraising, and internal account reports. Student members may not vote on personnel matters including principal evaluation, contracts, and the allocation of teaching and staff resources.
To apply, interested applicants can download forms from cps.edu/lsc and submit completed hard copies by 3 p.m. Friday, March 4 to the school where they intend to run for office. Alternatively, candidate nomination forms may be submitted to the LSC Relations Office at 2651 W. Washington Blvd. by 3 p.m. Friday, February 25.
Who Serves on the LSC, Eligibility, How to Apply, and Dates of Elections
LSC members, except for students, serve a two-year term. All members must apply or reapply for each term.
Community Member (2 Members)
- Must reside in the school’s attendance area or voting district boundaries
- Must be at least 17 years old
- Not the parent, step-parent, or legal guardian of a child enrolled in the school
- Not employed by the District
Parents (6 parents)
- Biological or adoptive parent, step-parent, or legal guardian of a child enrolled in the school
- Not employed by the District
Staff
Teacher (2 Teachers)
- Employed and assigned a majority of duties at the school.
- Staff position must require a teaching certificate
Non-Teacher (1 Staff Member)
- Employed and assigned a majority of duties at the school.
- Staff position must not require a teaching certificate
Students (3/1 member(s)
High School – up to three members
-
One-year term
Elementary students
- One student member
- Must be in grades 6th and above to run
- One-year term