Chicago Board of Education Announces Modified Format for March 2020 Board Meeting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Saturday, March 21, 2020

CHICAGO – Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Chicago Board of Education today announced that its March 2020 Board meeting will proceed on Wednesday, March 25, at 4:00 p.m., but will be conducted remotely to ensure essential business can be completed in public view while meeting necessary health and safety requirements. In alignment with local, state and federal guidance, only a minimal number of staff members will be physically present at the meeting, and additional staff members and members of the public will be able to access the meeting via teleconferencing technology and a video livestream.

“The health and safety of our students and families remains our top priority during this uncertain time,” said Board President Miguel del Valle. “While our March Board meeting will be taking place to ensure we are able to complete essential business for operating the district, it will proceed in a way that complies with necessary social distancing measures.”

In accordance with recent guidance from the state, the meeting will not require the physical presence of a quorum of Board members or any number of Board members at a single meeting location. A majority of participating district leaders and Board staff will participate in the meeting remotely using electronic means. The meeting will be live-streamed to the general public on the Board website (www.cpsboe.org) and YouTube page, and a modified public participation section of the meeting will be facilitated electronically.

“Although it is not possible to convene a traditional meeting this month, we encourage parents and community members to observe the meeting using electronic means,” said CPS CEO Dr. Janice K. Jackson. “Public health is the district’s top priority at this time, but we also remain committed to transparency and gaining feedback from all of our stakeholders.”

The meeting will utilize a modified, streamlined format in which a limited number of essential agenda items will be considered. When registration opens on Monday, 15 public participation slots will be available to members of the public, who can participate via an electronic platform that the Board will offer. Additionally, the public can also submit written testimony at BOE@cps.edu.

Chicago Public Schools serves 355,000 students in 642 schools. It is the nation’s third-largest school district.

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