Yesenia Lopez

The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) endorsed 15 candidates in the upcoming school board election, focusing on 10 incumbents and mayoral appointees. Notable exclusions include Yesenia Lopez, a prior CTU-endorsed candidate who voted independently. The CTU faces challenges in six districts due to lack of aligned candidates, and some races may be affected by petition challenges. The union's political action committees have limited funds but a large membership base for voter outreach.

The Chicago Board of Education renewed charters for six charter school networks with terms ranging from four to seven years, following a delayed vote and implementing a revamped oversight process. The decision comes after financial turmoil in the charter sector led to closures, including two ASPIRA charter network high schools.

The Chicago Board of Education renewed charters for six charter school networks after a delayed vote, approving contracts with terms ranging from four to seven years. The decision followed a revamped oversight process aimed at addressing financial issues and preventing closures, amid criticism from some board members and the Chicago Teachers Union.

Over half of the 51 candidates for the Chicago Board of Education may be removed from the ballot due to challenges to their petition signatures. Four at-large school board president candidates and all nine mayoral appointees running for re-election face challenges, while some incumbents remain unchallenged. The deadline to finalize the ballot is August 27.