Local School Councils (LSCs)

LSCs were created by PA 88-686 and amended by the Chicago School Reform Act of 1995 with the intent of improving academic achievement, by placing the primary responsibility for school governance and improvement in the hands of parents, community residents, teachers, and the school principal at the school level. 105 ILCS 5/34-1.01.

1. Approving how school funds and resources are allocated.
2. Developing and monitoring the School Improvement Plan (CIWP).
3. Evaluating and selecting the school’s principal.

All parents, community members, and school staff members who want to strengthen their local schools and have a positive impact on student achievement are encouraged to run.

Students who are in 6th grade or higher in schools with grades 7 and 8 and in high schools are eligible to run for a seat on their school's LSC.
All students in the school may vote for student LSC candidates.

No experience or formal education is required.

A few eligibility exceptions apply. For more detailed information, please refer to the Local School Council Election Guide available at all schools or LSC Eligibility.

There are three different types of LSCs:

Traditional LSCs

• The Principal
• 6 parent representatives
• 2 community representatives
• 2 teacher representatives
• 1 representative of the non-teacher staff
• 3 student representatives for high schools serving 9th-12th grades and high schools that serve students in lower grades
• 1 student representative for schools serving up to 8th grade

Appointed LSCS (ALSC) * This list of Member types and numbers may vary and is controlled the the governance section of the Board Report establishing the appointed council

• The Principal
• 6 parent representatives
• 2 community representatives
• 2 teacher representatives
• 2 advocates
• 1 student representative (high school only)

Appointed Board of Governors (BOG)

• 1 commandant
• 6 parent representatives
• 2 community representatives
• 2 teacher representatives
• 2 advocates
• 1 JROTC instructor
• 1 student cadet commander

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

1. For traditional LSCs parent and community members are elected by parents and community residents every two years. This year, the elections will take place Wednesday, April 10, 2024 for elementary schools, and Thursday, April 11, 2024 for high school.
2. For ALSC/BOGs parent members are elected by parents and the community and advocate members are recommended by the current ALSC/BOG and all members are appointed by the Board.
3. Teacher representatives and the non-teaching staff representative are appointed by the Board, following a preference poll of all full-time staff.
4. The school principal is automatically a member of the LSC.
5. A student is appointed by the Board, following a binding student election in schools with a Traditional LSC and a non-binding preference poll of the students at schools with an ALSC. In BOG schools the highest ranking Cadet who meets the standards is appointed by the Board.

1. Complete the set of application forms listed on the LSC Elections page and them to the school in which you are seeking candidacy or The Office of Local School Council Relations.
2. Complete required training within 6 months of taking office
3. File an Annual Statement of Economic Interests
4. Complete a Criminal Conviction Disclosure Form
5. Undergo a fingerprint-based criminal conviction investigation

Forms are available online at LSC Elections or your school.

Every two years, Local School Council elections are held city-wide for parent, staff and community members.