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A Time to Matter

Writer's picture: Janel PilateJanel Pilate



Twenty-one enthusiastic individuals have begun their tenure as curators of education in Chicago. Emotional was an understatement to describe how I felt watching Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis-Gates, a Black woman, be the first to address the newly sworn-in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Elected School Board (ESB). As Mrs. Davis-Gates mentioned, students deserve a school district that embraces their identity and supports their development, while focusing on the experiences of teachers and families.


The Elected School Board has complete authority on the implementation and policy enforcement of CPS including the hiring and firing of the CEO, creating, and enforcing policy recommendations, infamously approving the contracts for the Chicago Teachers Union, and more. The ESB is comprised of twenty-one seats, eleven are appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson, and ten are elected by the patrons of Chicago. I, along with three South Side Help Center Interns, had the pleasure of sitting down with one of the twenty-one, Therese Boyle, the 9th District elected representative on Parents Engaged the Podcast.


This conversation came after Board Member Boyle declined our original invite to appear on the show before election day. I must admit I was a bit shaded because I felt gaining access to free publicity directly to a network of parents and community members would aid in the candidate’s campaign. Who would not want that? Member Boyle did, however, state in her rejection that if she were to win the election she would come to be on our show. And well folks, we have a show lol. I want to wish Member Boyle heartfelt congratulations again, and I wish her all the best on her journey as the 9th District Representative. Be sure to check out the latest episode of Parents EngagEd the Podcast Featuring These Boyle, the SSHC Youth Interns, and me Janel “Coach “Pilate. https://youtu.be/x4AvCvRiFC8?si=AUJUALzfnMMPl-G2


The CPS Board of Education website states “As the Board we remain steadfast in our goal to break the cycles of inequity while keeping CPS students, families, staff, and our many stakeholders at the core of every Board action and discussion.”  (Chicago Board of Education, 2025) It is my heart’s desire that the Board stands true to this declaration.


Stay in tune for more to come from Parents EngagEd the Podcast and more!


Peace and Love


Janel “Coach J” Pilate

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