Bridget Lee of Academy for Local Leadership: WCPT 820 Interview

Scott Duff and guest co-host Ken Mejia-Beal are joined by Bridget Lee, founder of the Academy for Local Leadership (ALL Chicago).

Here is a brief summary of the conversation:

- Lee explained that Chicago is transitioning from a mayor-appointed board to a representative, community-led school board. Following a 2024 hybrid trial run involving 10 elected seats and 11 appointed seats, the upcoming election will feature all 21 seats up for election across 20 districts.

- The election is scheduled for November 3.

- Voters will select candidates for their specific district and also vote for the board president.

- Residents can identify their district by using the Board of Elections website or local news sites.

- Lee introduced the Governance Compass, a framework created by ALL Chicago to help voters evaluate candidates based on five core principles:

* Setting vision and direction: Working with the superintendent to establish clear educational goals. * Protecting community values: Ensuring schools are a safe, well-resourced, and equitable environment.

* Transparency: Conducting business in public meetings that are available via YouTube.

* Accountability: Using levers like hiring/evaluating the superintendent, passing the budget, and passing policy to ensure the system meets its goals.

* Collective governance: Governing as a team to implement decisions effectively rather than acting as individual political actors.

- Lee suggested several ways for citizens to be involved: