Transitioning ChiArts High School

Being led by the Network 15 Chief of Schools in partnership with the CPS Office of Network Support and CPS Office Innovation & Incubation, potential workstreams for this joint group include:

• Advising and supporting Network 15 Leadership and the District during the Principal Selection process for the new principal of ChiArts after it opens as a District-managed school in summer 2026
• Advising on school culture and climate priorities
• Identifying needs and concerns during the CPS transition
• Reviewing and responding to key district proposals or changes
• Recommending course offerings, electives, enrichment, and/or other specialized programs and supports for students and families
• Helping define the student and family learning experiences
• Meeting with CPS academic departments to understand program implementation, timeline, and limitations
• Helping CPS Network 15 leaders and principal develop and execute effective family and community engagement plans
• Helping CPS Network 15 leaders and principal make final decisions, key to school readiness for SY26-27

The structure, composition, and selection process of the Advisory & Design Leadership Council will be modeled after that of Local School Councils (LSCs) to the fullest extent possible. The composition of the ChiArts Advisory and Design Leadership Council, which will be comprised by a majority of students and parents, will be as follows:

• 6 parent representatives
• 3 student representatives (enrolled in grades 9-12)
• 2 community representatives
• 2 teacher representatives
• 2 teaching artists/conservatory teachers or staff
• The Newly Selected CPS Principal (Selected in Winter 2026)

The Advisory & Design Leadership Council Member Selection process launches on Thursday, December 4, 2025, and concludes on Friday, January 9, 2026. Key details regarding the ChiArts Advisory & Design Leadership Council membership selection include:

Democratic-Oriented Process: The District will facilitate a selection process that allows key school stakeholders to decide who will serve on the ChiArts Advisory & Design Leadership Council, and ensures that a fair, equitable process is facilitated for membership selection.

Selection Process Milestones: Key milestones for the ChiArts Advisory & Design Leadership Council Selection Process, including a general timeline, are as follows:

• 12/4 - 12/16: Candidate Interest Form Submission Window. Please note, to be added to the ballot, completion of the Candidate Interest Form is mandatory.
• 12/18 - 1/7: Public Posting and Review of Responses from Candidate Interest Forms
• 12/18 - 1/7: Advisory & Design Leadership Council Voting Window. Please note, the voting window opens at 5 p.m. on December 18, 2025 and closes at 5 p.m. on January 7, 2026.
• 1/9/26: Poll Results Published and ChiArts Advisory & Design Leadership Council Members Announced

Complete the Advisory & Design Leadership Council Candidate Interest Form 

• You can submit responses in this form in English or Spanish.
• To ensure that your responses are included in the public review ahead of and during the voting window, all candidates should complete and submit this form by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16th. To ensure a fair process, responses will not be accepted after this deadline.
• To support your school community in making an informed decision about who serves on the Advisory Council, it is mandatory that you complete a Candidate Interest Form.
• All candidate responses (both English and Spanish translations) will be posted on this web page for public review.

The Advisory & Design Leadership Council selection process launched on December 4, 2025, and concluded on January 9, 2026 when the voting window for members closed.

View Poll Results