Board Bios

The Chicago Board of Education (Board) is a diverse group of committed, distinguished and highly accomplished experts in their professions as well as prominent leaders in social, civic and cultural affairs. On Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, the Board inducted 20 members into its new, hybrid Board, swearing in what is now the largest governing body for a public school system in the United States. An additional appointed member was inducted on Feb. 27, 2025. The Board consists of 11 members, including the Board President, appointed by the mayor and 10 elected members representing individual districts. 

The Board will transition to a fully elected governing model in 2027. Until then, the current hybrid Board Members, who volunteer their time and services, will each serve a two-year term.

School Year 2025 Board Member Training Log

  1. Sean B. Harden President
  2. Ed Bannon Member District 1A
  3. Jennifer Custer Member District 1B
  4. Ebony DeBerry Member District 2A
  5. Debby Pope Member District 2B
  6. Norma Rios-Sierra Member District 3A
  7. Carlos A. Rivas, Jr. Member District 3B
  8. Karen Zaccor Member District 4A
  9. Ellen Rosenfeld Member District 4B
  10. Jitu Brown Member District 5A
  11. Michilla Blaise Member District 5B
  12. Anusha Thotakura Member District 6A
  13. Jessica Biggs Member District 6B
  14. Emma Lozano Member District 7A
  15. Yesenia Lopez Member District 7B
  16. Angel Gutierrez Member District 8A
  17. Cydney Wallace Member District 8B
  18. Dr. Angel L. Velez Member District 9A
  19. Therese Boyle Member District 9B
  20. Dr. Che "Rhymefest" Smith Member District 10A

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