School board candidates debate budgets and policies in Chicago and Montclair

In Chicago, presidential candidates for the Board of Education recently participated in a forum to discuss the future of the city’s public school system. The race is significant as it marks the first time all 21 members of the board, including the president, will be elected rather than appointed by the mayor.

Candidates Jessica Biggs, Hilario Dominguez, and Victor Henderson addressed critical issues such as declining enrollment, which saw a drop of over 11,000 students this fall, and potential school closures. Biggs is advocating for expanded pre-K access and reduced administrative costs, while Dominguez, endorsed by the Chicago Teachers Union, seeks to extend the school closure moratorium. Henderson has focused his campaign on improving financial management and transparency through his accounting background.

In Montclair, six candidates are vying for three seats on the Board of Education. The election follows a period of financial instability in which the district faced a $19.6 million deficit, leading to layoffs and program cuts. During a recent forum, candidates discussed the need for better communication with the public and addressing achievement gaps as the district works to recover from its recent fiscal challenges.