Olga Bautista, vice president of the Chicago school board and a supporter of Mayor Brandon Johnson, has announced her resignation from the board. Bautista is also stepping away from her professional duties as co-executive director of the Southeast Environmental Task Force after receiving a new sabbatical award from the Chicago Frontlines Fund. The fund provides grants to environmental justice organizations and has created this sabbatical for leaders to take six months off for “intentional rest and reflection” to help prevent burnout.
Bautista was appointed to the school board by Mayor Johnson in 2024 following a mass resignation of previous members amid disagreements between district administration and the mayor’s office over funding issues. During her tenure, Bautista participated in significant decisions, including voting against the district’s budget last fall alongside six other members who opposed controversial measures such as a pension reimbursement to the city and a high-cost loan.
She continued on the board after it became partly elected in January 2025. Her departure comes as campaigns begin for all seats on what will be Chicago’s first fully elected school board in November. The district is still searching for a permanent schools chief.
In her statement at Wednesday’s meeting—her final one—Bautista said, “I’ve left jobs before, but none that mattered as much as this position.”
The mayor’s office has not commented on plans to fill Bautista’s seat. However, allies of Mayor Johnson are expected to maintain their majority on the board.
Fellow board members praised Bautista’s contributions both in education policy and environmental advocacy. Board President Sean Harden thanked her for guidance during his early days on the job: “I am a little upset you’re not taking me with you,” he joked, referencing his own decision not to run in upcoming elections.
Michilla Blaise recalled joining the 2024-appointed board with Bautista: “We were thrust into a storm of epic proportions,” Blaise said. “I didn’t know Olga at the time, but we were immediate sisters.”
The Chicago Frontlines Fund explained its new sabbatical program aims to support environmental leaders by providing them time away from work responsibilities.
Mila Koumpilova covers Chicago Public Schools for Chalkbeat Chicago and can be reached at mkoumpilova@chalkbeat.org.
