Chicago Public Schools to Host 2022 Local School Council (LSC) Member Swearing In Ceremony

CHICAGO - Chicago Public Schools (CPS) today hosted an induction ceremony for newly elected and returning Local School Council (LSC) members from across the District. The ceremony demonstrated the importance of the LSC members’ role in school communities.

"I want to extend a hearty congratulations to all of the newly elected and returning LSC members, who will continue to work hard every day to support our students' academic progress, elevate our schools' leadership and provide insightful feedback and recommendations on budget issues," said Mayor Lori Lightfoot. "By representing each of their school communities, these members will be a vital support for teachers, students and their families to engage with their school leadership and district—helping to ensure their voices are always centered."

In addition to greetings from Mayor Lightfoot and CPS CEO Pedro Martinez, the festivities included an oath-swearing ceremony, guest performances by Richard Edwards Elementary School’s folkloric dance group, and spoken word by Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep High School student Skylar Dunn.

“On behalf of CPS, I would like to thank our newly elected LSC members and acknowledge their work partaking in the election and being elected to their school LSC,” said CEO Martinez. “LSC members have an important role to play in moving the District forward and shaping the educational experience for the students in each of their unique communities. I congratulate our new LSC members for their commitment to service, and I look forward to working with LSC members across our city in the years to come.”

CPS holds LSC elections every two years. This year's event took place at the Malcolm X College, located at 1900 W. Jackson Blvd.

For the 2022-23 school year, the District received 6,145 candidate applications for the April 2022 LSC elections, and for the first time in CPS History, some of those candidates were sixth, seventh and eighth graders who were able to run for one new open spot on their school’s council.

LSCs work to support the academic progress, approve school budget and hire and evaluate principals of the District’s school. LSC members are dedicated volunteer school leaders, comprised of parents, community members, students and staff who approve budgets, select principals, renew principal contracts, evaluate a principal’s professional performance, and 

approve the school-based academic plan. LSC alumni include civic leaders, elected officials, and members of the Chicago Board of Education.

LSCs have long had an open seat for high school members from each school and this year another 237 high school students ran for the chance to serve on one of the 89 high school councils. 

For the first time, 751 intermediate level students entered the race for the chance to serve on 420 elementary school councils.

LSC Relations Director Kishasha Williams-Ford echoes CEO Martinez’s sentiments and thanks those that have stepped up to work in LSCs during a time in American education like none other. 

“During the past two years, we’ve asked for so much from our students, parents, teachers and community members amid an unprecedented time. The fact that we received record numbers of LSC election participants is proof that our aforementioned stakeholders are up to the challenge,” said Williams-Ford. “I can't wait to see how they will contribute to their school communities.”

The District credits the record-breaking participation to the more than 100 engagement sessions held in partnership with local community organizations and LSCs to promote candidacy and the election.

New LSC members will begin their terms July 1, 2022.

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