1979 - CPS system goes bankrupt; School Finance Authority established.
1985 - Legislation establishes statewide school accountability.
1987 - CPS endures a 19 day school strike.
Mayor Harold Washington convenes Education Summit.
1988 - Chicago School Reform Act passes;
- Creates Local School Councils, subdistrict councils, School Board Nominating Commission, and Mayor-appointed interim board.
- Shifts resources to schools, including State Chapter 1 funds.
- Mandates school improvement plans.
1989 - October: Election of first LSC
- 17,256 people run for seats.
- 312,000 people cast their ballots.
- 6,000 members elected to serve on LSCs.
Nominating Commission nominates permanent 15-member board.
1990-91 - LSC voting process declared unconstitutional.
Legislature enacts law creating new LSC election process.
1993 - CPS´ budget does not balance; schools do not open on time.
Massive parent and community protests.
Court intervenes to open schools.
Budget balanced by issuing bonds and taking part of State Chapter 1 money, teachers´ pension fund, and SFA reserve fund.
1994 - Election dates changed to spring report card pick-up day.
1995 - Legislation restructures CPS system
- Five member Board Of Trustees (BOT) and CEO appointed by mayor.
- Mandates Academic Accountability Council.
- Makes changes in collective bargaining.
- Incoming LSC members required to take 3 days of training (18 hours).
1996 - CPS has ability to set criteria for principal positions.
1999 - Legislation restructures CPS system
Two members are added to the BOT and name reverts back to Board of Education.
SB652 passes and becomes PA-61-622 which mandates:
- Criminal background checks for all LSC members
- LSC members no longer have to file Statement of Economic Interest with Cook County.