In a significant development for Chicago’s educational landscape, voters will head to the polls this November to elect the city’s school board, marking a pivotal moment in the governance of local education.
Currently, five candidates have stepped into the race for the position of president, sparking a debate over the role of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) in this election. Some voices are raising concerns about whether the union should endorse a particular candidate, as they argue for an independent leader for the Chicago Public Schools board.
Among those vying for the top spot is Hilario Dominguez, the CTU’s political director, who recently announced his candidacy, becoming the fifth contender in what promises to be a historic election. His entry has intensified discussions about the influence of the union in the selection process for the board president.
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The CTU is actively backing Dominguez, who brings a personal narrative deeply rooted in Chicago’s educational system. As the son of a housekeeper and a truck driver, Dominguez was raised in the Pilsen neighborhood and is a product of Chicago Public Schools himself. At 33, he boasts experience as a former special education teacher, which he now complements with his role at the CTU.
Reflecting on his candidacy, Dominguez shared, “What I understand is that Chicago families desire a leader who not only analyzes data but also has firsthand experience of being a student in our classrooms.” His statement underscores his commitment to a perspective that values personal educational experiences alongside administrative duties.
“Here’s what I know; Chicago families want… somebody that doesn’t just look at a spreadsheet but knows what it feels like to be a student in a classroom,” Dominguez said.
However, looking at spreadsheets will be a big part of his job if Dominguez is elected school board president. The board is responsible for a $10 billion budget. Dominguez says he will fight for the union’s agenda, including adamant opposition to any school closures, despite big deficits and shrinking enrollment.
The district is facing an almost $1 billion deficit.
“I think we need to fund our schools first before we start talking about what else we need to do,” Dominguez said.
Critics argue it will be a conflict of interest to have a CTU-backed school board president negotiate teachers contracts.
“We need people who will stand up and be independent and not be beholden to someone that ultimately they worked for the past decade,” 36th Ward Ald. Gilbert Villegas said.
Dominguez’s competition includes two current elected board members Jessica Biggs and Jennifer Custer, former appointed board vice president Sendhil Revuluri and attorney Victor Henderson, a charter school board member.
The parent group Kids First Chicago is concerned the race may cost $5-10 million.
“We are certainly concerned that, you know, whoever gets in that role is going to be beholden to those who helped put them into that seat,” said Hal Woods with Kids First Chicago.
Before the money starts to pour in, the race is already getting politically ugly. Last week, CTU President Stacy Davis Gates circulated a letter to the union’s house of delegates addressed to Democratic donor Michael Sacks to stay out of the school board races. Sacks wrote a scathing letter back, saying Davis Gates wants it both ways. Thursday, CTU is voting to raise teachers dues to help pay for political campaigns. Sacks called Dominguez unqualified.
“As a brown man growing up at Chicago Public Schools, I’m used to being told by others that I’m not qualified,” Dominguez said.
While his four competitors handed their filing petitions on Monday, Dominguez will officially kick off his campaign on Tuesday when he will drop his off, the last day allowed.
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