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* We talked about Greg Hinz’s story on the Chicago elected school board bill the other day, but not this part…
Harmon said he has not yet decided whether to push for a House vote on his bill, call the hybrid House bill for a vote in the Senate or pursue another course. One thing he’s awaiting before deciding: guidance from Johnson. So far, the mayor has given “no clear direction” on which bill should be approved. The mayor’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Taking a firm position could create a political risk for Johnson. A former CTU organizer himself, the mayor for years has advocated for a fully elected board. But doing so now would put him and his union allies on the opposite side of a big issue.
Taking a firm position could create a political risk for Johnson. A former CTU organizer himself, the mayor for years has advocated for a fully elected board. But doing so now would put him and his union allies on the opposite side of a big issue.
* The lack of any real guidance from the mayor’s office came up again in a recent Tribune story…
Heading into this year’s session, the issue remains under negotiation, Harmon said.
“We’re still wrestling with the best way to implement this to ensure maximum representation from all voters in the city,” Harmon said. “We’re waiting for clear direction from the city of Chicago, from Chicago Public Schools and from the Chicago Teachers Union as to how they think we should best proceed. We are open to all good ideas to get this done as quickly as possible.”
The CTU has said it prefers the hybrid system, so I suppose the mayor will eventually publicly fall in line. But that flip-flop would be Lightfootian in scope.
…Adding… I forgot to post this statement from Rep. Ann Williams, who heads the House Democratic CPS Districting working group…
An agreed map, strong ethics requirements, and an election process consistent with the negotiated framework paving the way for an elected, representative school board in Chicago can be finalized this week with a concurrence vote in the Senate. With the historic first school board election less than a year away, we hope the Senate will act now so that the transition to a fully elected school board can begin, prospective candidates can review district boundaries and Chicagoans will have the opportunity to vote for a representative school board for the first time this November.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jan 17, 24 @ 11:08 am
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He’s on the do not talk to list
Comment by Rabid Wednesday, Jan 17, 24 @ 11:11 am
Just say something like “the hybrid bill is a good first step towards realizing our longstanding goal of having a fully elected Chicago School Board”. Declare it a win and move on.
Comment by low level Wednesday, Jan 17, 24 @ 11:41 am
I like the Senate version. Everyone gets to vote for the candidate of his or her choice. Any eligible candidate can run, regardless of whether they happen to live in a subdistrict with a member who was appointed. It’s simple, clean, fair and better promotes democracy.
Comment by Valerie Leonard Wednesday, Jan 17, 24 @ 11:51 am
The CTU has never been about good governance. They just want want a stacked school board. That’s fine but it’s still meet the new boss, the same as the old boss.
I do think that Johnson and CTU’s continued missteps are creating space for reformers like Waguespack or Conway.
Comment by pragmatist Wednesday, Jan 17, 24 @ 11:59 am
Harmon meant to say he is waiting on direction from Mayor Gates
Comment by Sue Wednesday, Jan 17, 24 @ 12:48 pm
This tension in various elections across nominal allies (labor, mayor, legislative leaders) is going to grow exponentially once there are actually elected board members. Can imagine alders, committeemen, legislators, board members all jockeying for alliances.
Which is really a feature, not a bug, of elections, but only if we have enough media coverage and engagement of the issues and the money trail. It actually ties nicely to the local journalism story - there is way more to cover with fewer resources.
Comment by Phineas Wednesday, Jan 17, 24 @ 1:15 pm
______ still waiting for “clear direction” from mayor on ________“ is a common theme. And given the amateur hour on the fifth floor, I don’t expect that to change anytime soon.
Comment by New Day Wednesday, Jan 17, 24 @ 2:15 pm
Aren’t the Dems running on protecting democracy? Only half of the city getting to vote while the other half is told “this is your representation” is not very democratic.
Comment by HarveyGuy Wednesday, Jan 17, 24 @ 4:01 pm
If you’re looking for consistency from the CTU don’t bother.
Comment by Just Me 2 Wednesday, Jan 17, 24 @ 8:11 pm