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Chicago Board of Education Launches Standing Committees

October 5, 2026

The Chicago Board of Education (Board) will begin implementing a committee structure across five standing committees: the Black Student Achievement Committee (BSAC), the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), and three Agenda Review Standing Committees across Student Success, Finance/Audit, and Operations Committees.  

The Board is pleased to announce the membership and leadership of its newly established Agenda Review Standing Committees, as well as the recently appointed members of the Black Student Achievement Committee (BSAC) and Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC). Together, these committees play an important role in supporting the Board's governance.  

During the Board's September 10, 2026 Agenda Review Committee meeting, members of the new Finance and Audit, Operations, and Student Success Agenda Review Standing Committees were introduced, and each committee elected a chair and vice chair. 

As part of the Board's commitment to thoughtful and effective governance, members of each committee have been working diligently behind the scenes to prepare for their launch. Committee members have participated in training and orientation activities designed to strengthen their understanding of committee responsibilities, while committee chairs have completed additional training.  

"We are grateful to our committee members for their service and look forward to the important work ahead," said Board President Sean B. Harden. 

Committee Roles and Responsibilities

The Board's committee structure is designed to support effective governance while ensuring focused attention on key priorities and initiatives. 

The Finance and Audit, Operations, and Student Success Committees are responsible for reviewing and discussing business items before they are presented to the full Board for consideration. 

The BSAC provides oversight of the Chicago Public Schools’ (CPS) implementation of its Black Student Success Plan, while the SEAC scope of governance covers the District’s implementation of policies, programs, and services impacting students with disabilities and their families. 

While each committee serves a distinct purpose, all are standing committees with a shared commitment to supporting and improving outcomes for CPS students.  

The Board extends its appreciation to all committee members for their willingness to contribute their time, leadership, and service in support of CPS students, families, educators, and communities. Below reflects current membership:  

Finance and Audit Committee Members: 

Chair: Board Vice President Dr. Angel L. Velez, Dist. 9A
Vice Chair: Ed Bannon, District 1A

  • Board President Sean B. Harden, At-Large
  • Jitu Brown, District 5A
  • Angel Gutierrez, District 8A
  • Norma Rios-Sierra, District 3A
  • Carlos A. Rivas, Jr., District 3B

 Operations Committee Members:  

Chair: Debby Pope, District 2B
Vice Chair: Anusha Thotakura, District 6A

  • Connie L. Anderson, District 10B
  • Michilla Blaise, District 5B
  • Yesenia Lopez, District 7B
  • Emma Lozano, District 7A
  • Ellen Rosenfeld, District 4B

 Student Success Committee Members: 

Chair: Ebony DeBerry, District 2A
Vice Chair: Jennifer Custer, District 1B

  • Jessica Biggs, District 6B
  • Therese Boyle, District 9B
  • Dr. Che "Rhymefest" Smith, District 10A
  • Cydney Wallace, District 8B
  • Karen Zaccor, District 4A

 BSAC Members: 

Chair: Jitu Brown, District 5A
Co-chair: Michilla Blaise, District 5B

  • Darius Anderson
  • Alyssa Blanchard
  • Dr. Amber Brooks
  • Dr. Karen Andria Calloway
  • Jemia Cunningham-Elder
  • Crystal E. Gardner
  • Aquila Griffin-Ingram
  • Valerie F. Leonard
  • Ayoka Noelle Mota Samuels
  • Chenise Stephens

 SEAC Members: 

Co-chair: Therese Boyle, District 9B
Co-chair: Debby Pope, District 2B

  • Khadra Aljazi
  • Natosha Allison-Calhoun
  • Natasha Bardney-Brown
  • Patrick Crall
  • Aissatou Khairin Diallo
  • Rita Islefo
  • Talibah Moore
  • Guadalupe Pinzon
  • Sarah Rose
  • Ku-San Thomas
  • Helma Wardenaar
  • Wilbur Rojas
  • Renee Savage

 Meeting schedules for the Agenda Review Standing Committees are available on the Board's website at cpsboe.org. The BSAC will hold its first meeting Thursday, November 12 at 6 pm. The SEAC will launch Thursday, Oct. 15, at 10:30 am. 

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