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Dr. Angel L. Velez Joins the Chicago Board of Education
September 2, 2025
The Chicago Board of Education (Board) inducted Dr. Angel L. Velez, during its August 28, 2025, Board Meeting. A mayoral appointee, Dr. Velez is a highly respected consultant and strategist with 13 years of experience advancing equitable access and opportunities in education, corporate settings, and local communities. He is a proud alumnus of Chicago Public Schools’ (CPS) Roberto Clemente Community Academy and parent of a current CPS student. He draws on his personal experiences, academic background, and professional expertise to passionately advocate for social and economic inclusion. He holds a Ph.D. in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership with a focus on the History of Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He represents CPS District 9A, replacing former Board Member Frank Niles Thomas, who resigned in June.
“We welcome Dr. Velez, and I personally look forward to drawing upon his extensive education background and expertise in organizational leadership to the Board,” said CPS Board President Sean B. Harden.
Board Responsibilities
The Board fulfills a number of specific key responsibilities that include, but are not limited to: hiring and evaluating the Chief Executive Officer; establishing the direction, goals, and priorities for the District; approving District policies; and approving purchasing decisions, contracts, and interpersonal agreements. Board Members, who volunteer their time and service, spend at least 25 to 30 hours per month fulfilling their duties and accountabilities. Much of their time involves attending and actively participating in the Board’s public meetings. Board Members are regularly briefed in preparation for these monthly meetings to ensure they are informed on agenda items and potential issues. The Board will transition to a fully elected governing model in 2027.
About CPS Districts
The City of Chicago is divided into 10 districts. Each district is divided into two subdistricts, making 20 subdistricts across the city that each have Board representation. The Board has 11 members, including the Board President, who are mayoral appointees and 10 who are elected members representing individual districts. Each elected Board Member must reside within the district that the member represents. Appointed Board Members are required to reside both within the district the member represents and outside of the subdistrict where the elected member resides.
Visit CPSBOE.org to read Board Members’ bios.
