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Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has announced that it is accepting applications for the honorary student member position on its Board of Education for the 2025-26 academic year. This position allows a student to represent the voice and interests of their peers in the district's decision-making processes.
"Having the student perspective is incredibly important and key to informing our decisions," stated Board President Sean B. Harden. He emphasized the Board's commitment to fostering a high-quality educational system, with direct input from students being pivotal to achieving this goal.
The application period launched on March 24 and stays open until April 25, with CPS students entering the 11th or 12th grade eligible to apply. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate leadership experience. Interested students can submit their applications via a Google form on the Board's website.
CPS CEO Pedro Martinez highlighted the significance of the role. “We not only want to make space to hear from our students but also cultivate a sense of appreciation for our students’ perspective at every level of our District,” he said. He encouraged student leaders to apply, emphasizing the role’s potential to prepare them for future community engagement.
The selected student board member will partake in the Chicago Board of Education's monthly meetings, participate in a District-level student committee, and receive a $1,000 scholarship for college education.
The current Honorary Student Board Member, Carolina Carchi of Roberto Clemente Community Academy High School, reflected on her tenure. "Representing my fellow CPS classmates as the Honorary Student Board Member has been an amazing experience that I will always hold dear to my heart," she said. She underscored the importance of student voices in board decisions impacting academic outcomes.
This position was established in 1995 to recognize student input and the Board’s duty to enhance educational quality for its community's youth.
