Local School Councils (LSCs)

• School Resource Officer (SRO) Toolkit Overview [ English  |  Spanish ]
• School Resource Officer (SRO) Toolkit Webinar [ ENGLISH | SPANISH ]

• 2018 - 2020 LSC Reference Guide [ English  |  Spanish ]

For details on the 2020 LSC election process, download the following guide:

• 2020 Local School Council Election Guide [ English ]
• 2020 Guide to the Appointed LSC/BOG Candidate Polls and Recommendations English [ English ]

Election judges are needed for the upcoming election. Applications for Election Judges are available at schools and at LSC Election Judges.

Completed applications can be returned to schools. A complete application includes:

1. An Application Form
2. A W-9 Form
3. A Chicago Public Schools Vendor Number Request Form

These forms are required and available at schools or at LSC Election Judges.

Judges will be paid $150. Schools will provide light meals. Judges are required to complete a two-hour live training.

Please note that all Election Judges must:

1. Be at least 18 years of age
2. NOT serve at a school where they are related to a candidate and/or principal
3. NOT serve at a school in which they are a candidate

It is the responsibility of the principal to ensure all election related tasks are completed. Due to the large number and types of tasks, principals are strongly encouraged to identify an Election Coordinator (EC) to manage pre-, day-of, and post- Election activities.

Download the documents below for more information:

• 2020 Election Coordinator Webinar
• 2020 Election Coordinator Training [ English ]
• 2020 Election Coordinator Job Description [ English ]

• 2020 LSC Election Posters [ English ]
• 2020 LSC Election Flyer [ English ]

Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act Requirements [ English ]

LSCs were created by The Chicago School Reform Act of 1998 with the intent of improving academic achievement, by placing the primary responsibility for school governance and improvement in the hands of parents, community residents, teachers, and the school principal at the school level. 105 ILCS 5/34-1.01.

1. Approving how school funds and resources are allocated.
2. Developing and monitoring the School Improvement Plan (CIWP).
3. Evaluating and selecting the school’s principal.

All parents, community members, and school staff members who want to strengthen their local schools and have a positive impact on student achievement are encouraged to run.

No experience or formal education is required.

A few eligibility exceptions apply. For more detailed information, please refer to the Local School Council Election Guide available at all schools or LSC Eligibility.

There are three different types of LSCs:

Traditional LSCs –

• The Principal
• 6 parent representatives
• 2 community representatives
• 2 teacher representatives
• 1 representative of the non-teacher staff
• 1 student representative (high school only)

Appointed LSCS (ALSC) – *This list may vary

• The Principal
• 6 parent representatives
• 2 community representatives
• 2 teacher representatives
• 2 advocates
• 1 student representative (high school only)

Appointed Board of Governors (BOG) –

• 1 commandant
• 6 parent representatives
• 2 community representatives
• 2 teacher representatives

1. LSC members are elected by parents and community residents every two years. This year, the elections will take place Wednesday, April 18th, 2018 for elementary schools, and Thursday, April 19th, 2018 for high school.
2. Teacher representatives and the non-teaching staff representative are appointed by the Board, following a preference poll of all full-time staff.
3. The school principal is automatically a member of the LSC.
4. A high school student is appointed by the Board, following a preference poll of the students at the school.

1. Complete and submit an application to the school in which you are seeking candidacy or The Office of Local School Council Relations.
2. Complete required training within 6 months of taking office
3. File an Annual Statement of Economic Interests
4. Complete a Criminal Conviction Disclosure Form
5. Undergo a fingerprint-based criminal conviction investigation

Forms are available online at LSC Elections or your school.