Latest News:
CPS Local School Council Elections Coming Spring 2012
Become a candidate and make a difference in your local school! Nomination packets will be available at schools beginning in early 2012.
The Local School Council (LSC) is the local decision-making board at most Chicago public schools. The LSC is comprised of six parents, two teachers, two community representatives, and one student (at the high school level). The main responsibilities of LSCs are improving the school by helping to develop the School Improvement Plan; approving and monitoring the school's budget; and evaluating and selecting the school's principal.
Look in DFC's Publications section for research studies that show that schools with strong and effective Local School Councils have high student achievement.
Governor Signs Historic Chicago School Facilities Act
August 20, 2011: Revolutionary state law creates fair standards and procedures for where Chicago schools get built, which schools get repaired first, and how school closing, turn-around, and phase-out decisions are made.
Planning for the Future with Public Involvement:
Under the new law, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) must create a 10-Year Facility Master Plan; to better coordinate school improvements, repairs, and renovations in an effective and equitable way. The Plan must be with extensive community input, and coordination with other local governments and elected officials, including Local School Councils.
CPS also must develop a detailed 5-year Capital Plan, and produce an end-of-the-year Capital Expenditure Report, which will enable the public and elected officials to "follow the money."
The law spells out extensive procedures and rights for making such decisions as school closings. For example, all proposed school closure proposals must be announced by December 1, with sufficient and extensive opportunities for hearings before a truly independent hearing officer.
Practical Research and Resource Publications:
Designs for Change has over twenty practical research studies and resource guides, available through this website under Publications.
Coming Soon: Updated DFC Website
