CHICAGO – The Chicago Board of Education Thursday night approved the appointment of Sydney J. Morris as the District’s new Chief Schools Officer, effective May 2025. A lifelong educator and proud daughter of Chicago’s West Side, Chief Morris brings nearly 25 years of dedicated service to CPS and a steadfast commitment to educational equity, student achievement, and community empowerment.
Raised in a family deeply rooted in public service, Morris was inspired by her grandmother’s guiding words to "leave things better than the way you found them." That philosophy has been the cornerstone of her leadership, shaping her work as a school leader, district strategist, and tireless advocate for students and educators across Chicago. Chief Morris has most recently served as the Chief of Staff to Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova.
“Sydney Morris is a visionary leader who brings unmatched heart, experience, and insight to this role,” said CEdO Chkoumbova. “She has a proven track record of building strong school communities, lifting up student voices, and driving results through equity-centered leadership. I’m thrilled to see her step into this new role as the District continues working to deliver a high-quality education to every student in every neighborhood.”
Chief Morris’s leadership journey in CPS has been distinguished by a deep focus on student success and systemic change. As principal of John B. Drake Elementary School, she led a remarkable school turnaround, empowering staff, building more than 30 strategic partnerships, and securing more than $2 million in additional funding for student-centered programs. In her current role, she has played a pivotal role in advancing the District’s academic vision, policy development, and cross-departmental collaboration.
Currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Loyola University Chicago (anticipated December 2025), Chief Morris also holds a Certificate of Advanced Studies in administrative leadership from Lewis University, a Master of Arts in Education from DePaul University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is a proud graduate of Lane Tech College Prep.
In her new role as Chief Schools Officer, Chief Morris will lead the District’s efforts to support and develop school leaders, promote instructional excellence, and expand equitable learning opportunities for all CPS students. As the leader of the Office of Network Supports (ONS), she will oversee the systems and structures that provide direct support to schools. Her strategic priorities will include strengthening school accountability systems, advancing inclusive school cultures, and building robust support systems that meet the diverse needs of CPS communities.
“I am deeply honored to step into this role and serve the city that raised me,” said Chief Morris. “Chicago’s students are brilliant, bold, and full of promise. I look forward to partnering with our incredible school leaders, educators, families, and communities to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe, supportive, and high-quality learning environment.”