Chicago Public Schools Seeks Honorary Student Board of Education Member for 2023-24 School Year

CHICAGO -  Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is now accepting applications for the next honorary student member of the Board of Education. Each year, an honorary student board member represents the interests and perspectives of all CPS students on a Board that makes decisions and shapes policies for the nation’s fourth largest school district. 

“Becoming an honorary student board member is an amazing opportunity for students as they are the most important part of our school system,” said Board President Miguel del Valle. “They provide invaluable insight for our Board as we work to best serve and support all students.”

The application process for the one-year term opens today, Monday, March 13, and remains open through Friday, April 28. All CPS students who will be in 11th or 12th-grade during the 2023-24 school year are encouraged to apply through this Google form on the Board of Education’s website.

“Elevating student voice is fundamental to the District’s commitment to student-centered education and preparing our youth to be engaged members of their community and our Democracy,” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. “Student board members play an integral role in elevating student issues and student voices to the Board of Education and I encourage our rising juniors and seniors to apply so they can enjoy a front row seat to this unique educational opportunity.”

If selected, the honorary student board member will:

• Represent the CPS student body at the Chicago Board of Education’s monthly meetings;       
• Serve as an appointed member on a District-level student committee; and
• Receive a $1,000 scholarship towards their education at a two- or four-year college or university.

Current honorary student board member and Jones College Prep junior, Emmanuel Ofosuhene, says his time serving in this role had real benefits and has helped him prepare for his future education and career endeavors.

"As a student board member, I've learned so much about city government and being a global citizen," said Ofosuhene. "My time on the Board will propel me on to bigger and better things." 

The honorary student board member position was created by the Board in 1995 in recognition of the importance of student voices and the Board’s responsibility to the quality of education for the youth of our community.

Former honorary student board member, Aysha Ahmad, credits her time on the Board with helping prepare her for her rigorous college coursework. Ahmad, now a senior at the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign majoring in molecular and cellular biology, strengthened her resolve to be an advocate for others as she considers pursuing medical school or a PhD in biological sciences.

“Serving as an honorary student board member was an eye-opening experience,” said Ahmad. “Board members encouraged me to share my perspective and gave me a chance to provide input on important issues in our schools. Communicating my concerns from a student point of view helped hone my leadership skills and gave me the confidence to pursue a career where I can be an advocate for my  future patients.”

###

About Chicago Public Schools

Chicago Public Schools serves more than 322,000 students in 635 schools. It is the nation’s fourth-largest school district.