Here’s who’s running for Chicago’s first-ever elected school board president

Chicago will elect its first school board president for the first time, replacing the mayor’s appointed role. Five candidates have filed or plan to file for the position by Tuesday: Hilario Dominguez (Chicago Teachers Union deputy political director), Jessica Biggs, Jennifer Custer, Victor Henderson, and Sendhil Revuluri. The president will set the board’s agenda and determine which issues reach a vote, making the race high-stakes. Dominguez’s union ties are a key factor, as the CTU has pushed for school improvements but faces criticism from opponents like billionaire donor Michael Sacks, who called Dominguez a ‘paid deputy’ and supports independent candidates. Biggs, a current board member and former principal, cites her experience in controlling the agenda as her motivation. However, her past firing from Burke Elementary over policy violations and community accusations of retaliation have drawn scrutiny. The ‘do not hire’ list placed on her after the incident adds complexity to her campaign. The election marks a shift from Mayor Brandon Johnson’s influence, as the president will now be chosen by all Chicago voters. Campaigns are already underway, with candidates emphasizing independence, union support, or student-centered policies to appeal to voters. Dominguez’s candidacy highlights the tension between union-backed candidates and those seeking a more independent board. Sacks’s opposition to Dominguez signals deeper divisions over school governance, with financial backing likely to play a major role in the outcome. The race concludes with filings due Tuesday, and the winner will reshape Chicago Public Schools’ decision-making process.