Your Cheat Sheet for Chicago's Local School Councils

Want to run for local school council? Applications open Oct. 16. Chalkbeat’s Becky Vevea gave the City Cast Chicago podcast the rundown.

What Do Local School Councils Do?

Almost like mini school boards for each school, LSCs have three main functions: approve an academic plan for the school, approve the budget related to that plan, and choose and evaluate the school’s principal.

Who Makes Up an LSC?

At least 12 members depending on whether it’s an elementary or high school, half of which are usually parent representatives. The rest can vary but include community members, teachers, non-teaching staff, student representatives, and a principal (who does sit on the LSC but doesn’t frequently vote).

How Have Local School Councils Worked in Practice?

• The John Hancock College Preparatory LSC voted to end the  principal’s contract, a decision that baffled the community in the Clearing neighborhood.
• The Jones College Prep LSC tried to remove the South Loop principal for an alleged residency violation. (He later retired during a district investigation.)
• Since 2020, LSCs have voted on whether to keep or remove school resource officers.