Chicago Public Schools Kicks Off 2026 District-wide Local School Council Elections

Chicago Public Schools is reminding parents, staff, students, and community members to vote during Wednesday’s Local School Council (LSC) elections to support the climate, culture and academic outcomes of the District’s more than 500 District-managed schools. Every two school years, LSC members are elected by parents/guardians, students, school staff, and community members based on the student’s school of attendance, the employee’s school of employment, or the community member’s residential address. Community members can use the LSC Election Map to locate their school voting site.

2026 LSC Election Facts
Election Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 (same date as District-wide parent-teacher conferences)
Polls Open: 6 a.m.
Polls Close: 7 p.m.
Location: The District school the LSC represents (LSC Election Map)
Number of LSC Candidate Applications for 2026: 6,606
No virtual voting options for LSC elections

Candidates are often already involved in their school and/or the broader community. Jillian Carew, a Neal F. Simeon Career Academy LSC Community Representative, was approached a few years ago by a couple of community organizations to consider running for a LSC seat. Since becoming a member in 2024 she has learned the value of serving on the LSC and casting a ballot on Wednesday.

“I think that the local school council is the place where we can actually impact change,” said Carew, who’s running for re-election. “We know that a high-quality education can dramatically impact the trajectory of a student's life. Voting for your local school council representatives gives community members a voice in making sure Chicago students are ready to succeed in college, careers and civic life.”

For more information regarding local school council elections, visit cps.edu/lsc or contact the Office of Local School Council Relations at 773-553-1400 or LSCRelations@cps.edu.