Chicago Public Schools is reminding parents, staff, students, and community members to vote in the Local School Council (LSC) elections scheduled for March 18. The district announced on Mar. 17 that these elections will take place at more than 500 District-managed schools across Chicago.
The LSC elections are held every two school years and allow parents or guardians, students, school staff, and community members to elect representatives based on their connection to a particular school. According to the district, this process supports the climate, culture, and academic outcomes of each school. Community members can use the LSC Election Map to find their designated voting site.
For the 2026 election cycle, there are 6,606 candidate applications. Voting will occur in person only; no virtual voting options are available. Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m., coinciding with district-wide parent-teacher conferences.
Jillian Carew, a Neal F. Simeon Career Academy LSC Community Representative who is running for re-election, said she was encouraged by community organizations to join her local council several years ago. “I think that the local school council is the place where we can actually impact change,” said Carew. “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.”
More information about the upcoming elections is available at cps.edu/lsc or through the Office of Local School Council Relations.
