LOCAL SCHOOL COUNCIL (LSC)

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LSC

Local School Councils serve as a governing body for each district-managed school in the Chicago Public School (CPS) system. LSC governance is subject to the Illinois School Code and the Illinois Open Meetings Act, as well as policies created for CPS by the Chicago Board of Education. The CPS Office of LSC Relations provides guidance and support for Local School Councils to ensure that LSCs remain compliant with state law, and district policies.

 

A traditional, elementary (K-8) LSC comprises the school's Principal, (6) parent representatives, (2) teacher representatives, (1) non-teaching staff representative, (2) community representatives, and (1) student in 7th or 8th grade (new for 2022). This team works together in support of four primary responsibilities in governing the school.

The Local School Council's core responsibilities include:

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• Approving the school based academic plan (CIWP)

• Approving the alignment of budgetary resources to the CIWP

• Engaging in the annual evaluation of contract principal’s professional practices

• Selecting or renewing contract principals

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For parents, community members, teachers, staff and students eager to serve their school on behalf of the diverse stakeholders in our school communities, the LSC can be a great opportunity to support the vision, leadership, and outcomes a school needs to help all students succeed in fulfilling their scholarly potential. Read here to learn more about the LSC.  

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CONNECT WITH LOCAL SCHOOL COUNCILS CITY-WIDE

Chicago has long history of grassroots organizing that ultimately led to the creation of the first LSCs in 1989, and reformed LSCs into the process we recognize today in 1995. For the past 25+ years, schools have been supported and governed by a public body of diverse stakeholders collaborating to support the school's improvement plan, and align budgetary resources to that plan. LSCs evaluate and renew principal contracts, and also hire new principals for the school.

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To help volunteer parents, community members, teachers and non-teaching staff work effectively in these roles, there is an #LSCSolidarity network composed of LSC members in schools around the city. Supported by the parent advocacy group, Raise Your Hand, LSC members can access training as well as connect with one another around innovations and norms on other LSCs. 

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During the biennial election cycle, Raise Your Hand also sponsors an LSC Summit to educate and engage potential candidates. The LSC Summit brings together community organizers from around the city and is a wonderful forum for anyone interested in exploring a candidacy to learn more about the history and responsibilities of LSCs, as well as connect with other potential candidates and LSC members running for re-election. 

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QUICK 411: ABOUT LOCAL SCHOOL COUNCIL ELECTIONS via CPS 

 

Why Should I Participate in an LSC?

Serving on a Local School Council (LSC) provides a unique opportunity to become engaged in your school community and play an active role in making decisions affecting your school. LSCs are critical to ensuring positive student outcomes and a dynamic school environment.

 

How Long Do LSC Members Serve?

Parent, community, and educational staff LSC representatives are elected for a two-year term. Student representatives serve a one-year term.

 

When Are LSC Elections?

Every two years, Local School Council elections/polls are held city-wide, with the next election/poll for Parent, Community and Staff scheduled for:

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Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Elementary School Elections

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Thursday, April 21, 2022
High School Elections

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LSC Student election polls are scheduled every year with the next election poll scheduled for:

Monday, April 18, 2022 or Tuesday, April 19, 2022

 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE IN LSC ELECTIONS? 

Verifiable by the CPS Office of Local School Council Relations 773-553-1400

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• Any parent with a child enrolled at the school, regardless of where you live, is eligible to vote for up to 5 total candidates: parent and/or community reps in their school's election. For LaSalle Language Academy, this year's election will be held on Wednesday April 20, 2022.  

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• ​​Any community member residing within the voting district* can vote for up to 5 total candidates: parent and/or community reps. Community members must vote in-person, with proof of residence, at LaSalle Language Academy (1734 N. Orleans). 

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• Student, Teacher, and Non-Teaching Staff elections are held as a poll internally at the school. 

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*South of Armitage, North of North Ave, East of Vine (North to Willow) and East of Larrabee (Willow - Armitage) 

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