Following Educators for Excellence-Chicago Advocacy, School Board Establishes Black Student Achievement Committee

Chicago, IL — After months of persistent advocacy from educators and community members, the Chicago school board has officially established the Black Student Achievement Committee—a critical step toward educational equity in Chicago Public Schools. The committee, mandated by state law under SB15, had been stalled for months despite public testimony and over 100 petitions submitted by educators from Educators for Excellence–Chicago (E4E-Chicago). Today’s long-overdue action is being celebrated as a hard-won victory and a turning point for the city’s public schools.

“I’m incredibly proud of the E4E-Chicago educators who helped make this happen, and I look forward to seeing this committee get to work,” said Dr. Marlena Little, Executive Director of E4E–Chicago. “We’ve said from the start: this committee is essential to dismantling barriers and driving systemic change. The school board deserves credit for listening to educators and the broader community, and we hope that spirit of collaboration continues as the committee begins its vital work.”

Educators on the ground echoed Dr. Little’s praise and emphasized the urgent need for the committee’s work to begin.

“I’m thrilled by today’s announcement because it’s more than a policy decision—it’s a lifeline for my students,” said Jada Watson, a CPS educator. “I fought for this committee and testified for its creation because I’ve seen what’s possible when Black students receive the support they deserve. This committee is the first real step toward dismantling the decades of systemic underinvestment my students have faced—and it sends a clear message: our students will no longer be left to navigate these barriers alone.”

Shana Wrencher, another CPS educator, added, “The school board’s announcement today is a major win, because with this committee in place, we can finally begin holding the system accountable for the success of Black students in a real, structured way. Now, the committee must follow through by setting clear goals, developing strategic plans to advance academic equity, and providing transparent progress updates that show how we’re meeting the needs of Black students.”

E4E–Chicago will continue working with city and school leadership to ensure the committee is implemented with fidelity and that educators’ voices and perspectives are at the forefront of policy change.