As the countdown to the Chicago school board elections begins, campaign donations have skyrocketed to $2.3 million, signalling an intense battle for control over the city’s public education landscape. With just weeks to go until November 5, the stakes have never been higher, and both traditional players and new contenders are stepping up their game.
An Overview of the Race
This election marks a significant shift in Chicago’s education governance, transitioning from an appointed school board to an elected one. Voters will select representatives for 10 new school districts, while Mayor Brandon Johnson will appoint an additional 11 members, including the board president. The recent changes in board leadership have triggered a flurry of campaign activity, with a notable uptick in financial contributions.
Record-Breaking Donations
In the week following a major leadership shake-up, candidates collectively raised over $800,000, a substantial increase compared to previous months. This brings the total contributions for the election cycle to $2.3 million. Notably, this figure includes loans and in-kind donations such as staffing, food, and event space.
Super PAC Influence
Super PACs are also playing a crucial role in this election, with groups like the Illinois Network of Charter Schools and Urban Center shelling out $274,000 in just the past week to support various candidates. These independent expenditure committees have no limits on their financial backing but are prohibited from coordinating directly with candidates.
Major Contributors
The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) stands out as the largest contributor, pouring $372,000 into its endorsed candidates in the last week alone. Their contributions primarily come through in-kind donations. Additionally, the People’s 32nd PAC, backed by CTU funds, added another $97,000 to the pot.
On the other side of the spectrum, Urban Center Action has made a significant impact, focusing on candidates aligned with school choice and reform. This super PAC, led by Juan Rangel, has raised over $700,000 since July.
Funding Sources
The financial backing for these groups comes from influential donors, including:
- James Frank, founder of Wheels Inc.
- Jim and Alice Walton, heirs to the Walmart fortune
- Reed Hastings, co-founder of Netflix
- Craig Duchossois, Chicago investment giant
The Stakes of the Election
With the ongoing turmoil in Chicago Public Schools (CPS), the importance of a competent school board cannot be overstated. According to Andrew Broy, president of INCS, “We need more sound governance on the board. The stakes are enormous in this election.”
Aiming for Independence
Both INCS and CTU claim their financial contributions are aimed at promoting candidates who are genuinely interested in prioritizing student needs over political affiliations. They want to cultivate a school board that acts independently from existing political feuds, focusing on what matters most—education.
The Landscape of Candidates
As expected, the financial landscape has led to some candidates gaining more traction than others. Many candidates express concerns that voters may become disillusioned with the influence of large education interest groups. For instance, Bruce Leon, a candidate in the 2nd District, has committed to self-funding his campaign entirely.
Grassroots Movements
Interestingly, candidates like Che “Rhymefest” Smith, a rapper and community figure, have also relied on personal funding to project independence from big-money backers. “People want to know who shows up in their community, not just who has the most money,” Smith explained.
Contribution Caps and the Final Push
As of now, contribution caps are lifted in most districts, meaning candidates can accept donations beyond standard limits. This could lead to an influx of cash as the election date approaches.
However, many candidates are struggling to keep up with the financial might of CTU and INCS, with some even dropping out and launching write-in campaigns due to funding issues.
The Road Ahead
Early voting kicked off on October 3, and Chicagoans can start casting their votes now. With community forums scheduled in various districts, residents have opportunities to engage with candidates directly.
Key Dates to Remember
- Early Voting: Started on October 3
- Voting by Mail Applications: Open until October 31
- Election Day: November 5
As we navigate through this election cycle, it’s clear that the outcome will significantly shape the future of education in Chicago. With $2.3 million in play and the involvement of powerful interest groups, the next few weeks will be crucial.
