As Chicago prepares for a new era of school governance, WVON 1690 AM and VON TV are bringing the conversation directly to families whose children make up the majority of Chicago Public Schools.
The two outlets will host a one-hour Chicago Board of Education President Forum on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 6 p.m. at Columbia College Chicago, with a focus on educational equity, school funding, accountability and the future of public education in the city.
Chicago Board of Education President Sean B. Harden will participate in the discussion, which will be hosted by WVON morning personality Rufus Williams and include questions from local journalists.
The forum comes at a consequential moment for CPS. Black and Brown students account for approximately 78% of the district’s student population, according to information provided by WVON, making questions of access, achievement, funding and community representation particularly significant for families across the South and West Sides.
The discussion is expected to examine how school leaders are addressing persistent disparities in student outcomes, how funding decisions are being made and what meaningful community representation should look like as Chicago continues transitioning toward a fully elected school board.
“We believe the future of Chicago’s public schools deserves a conversation that speaks directly to the families and communities most invested in its success,” said Melody Spann Cooper, CEO of Midway Broadcasting. “When Black and Brown students represent 78% of our public school population, their experiences and aspirations cannot be an afterthought.”
The forum will also bring students into the production itself.
Columbia College Chicago students will help film and produce the broadcast from the school’s Ida B. Wells Building, giving them a direct role in shaping how the conversation reaches the public.
That element adds another layer to the event, connecting a discussion about the future of Chicago students with young people actively learning how media can influence public understanding and civic life.
Journalist Erick Johnson is scheduled to participate in the panel, with additional media representatives anticipated from NBC, Telemundo, The TRiiBE and the Chicago Crusader.
WVON has long positioned itself as a platform for political, civic and community conversations affecting Black Chicago. This forum extends that tradition at a moment when decisions around CPS leadership, budgets and student outcomes are receiving increased scrutiny.
The event also takes place just weeks before Chicago voters participate in the city’s first fully elected school board election, giving the conversation added weight as residents consider who should shape the future of the district.
The forum will be broadcast on WVON 1690 AM and VON TV.
Event Details
What: Chicago Board of Education President Forum
When: Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Where: Columbia College Chicago, Ida B. Wells Building
Host: Rufus Williams, WVON Morning Host
Featured Participant: Chicago Board of Education President Sean B. Harden
Broadcast: WVON 1690 AM and VON TV
