Mayor Johnson Completes Chicago School Board with Final Appointment

Cydney Wallace, a Black Jewish activist and CPS parent, joins the hybrid board as it tackles budget shortfalls, teacher contract negotiations, and leadership changes.

• Mayor Brandon Johnson appointed Cydney Wallace as the 21st and final member of Chicago's partially-elected, partially-appointed school board after a month-long delay.
• Wallace, a mother of four and CPS parent, is a Cook County court clerk employee and vice president of the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs, which focuses on social justice issues.
• The appointment comes as the board faces significant challenges, including a $500-$700 million budget deficit, unresolved teacher contract negotiations, and the need to hire a new CEO for Chicago Public Schools.
• Wallace represents District 8, covering areas such as Chinatown, Bridgeport, and Back of the Yards, alongside elected member Angel Gutierrez.
• This appointment marks a key step in the transition to a fully-elected school board by 2027, ending 30 years of mayoral control over the board.

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