CHICAGO – This morning, seven new members of the Chicago Board of Education were officially sworn in to begin their service to the Chicago Public School (CPS) System. Olga Bautista, Michilla Blaise, Mary Gardner, Rev. Mitchell L. Ikenna Johnson, Deborah “Debby” Pope, Frank Niles Thomas and Rafael Yáñez join the Board of Education for the remainder of 2024, before the transition to an elected representative school board in 2025.  

“I am honored to officially welcome these individuals to the Chicago Board of Education,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “As a CPS parent, I am looking forward to working with these new board members to ensure we have a school district that gives every Chicagoan access to a fully resourced, equitable, safe, and healthy learning environment in their neighborhood.”  

Mayor Brandon Johnson has made it clear to the newly sworn-in board members and CPS staff that he will provide CPS with the maximum tax increment financing amount. Additionally, these new board members and Mayor Brandon Johnson agree that CPS must honor those who have worked for CPS in the past and cover the cost of their pensions.    

The Board of Education will have elected members for the first time on November 5, 2024, and transition to a 21-person board in 2025, with 11 appointed by the mayor and 10 elected. They began their service today at the Agenda Review Committee Meeting and will preside over their first Board meeting on November 1, 2024.  

“I want to thank Mayor Johnson and my fellow board members as I am sworn in as the President of the Chicago Board of Education,” said Reverend Mitchell L. Ikenna Johnson. “I am honored to serve with my fellow board members and faithfully execute our shared vision with the Johnson Administration for equity and growth in CPS. I intend to honor our moral obligation to the communities we serve by supporting our neighborhood schools.” 

With the shift to a hybrid elected and appointed Board forthcoming, current Board members and Mayor Johnson understand that laying a strong foundation in transition serves the best interests of students and families in Chicago Public Schools.   

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