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Chicago Board of Education Launches Black Student Achievement Committee Application

November 24, 2025

The Board of Education for the City of Chicago (Board) Black Student Achievement Committee (BSAC) is currently accepting membership applications. The BSAC will appoint 14 members to each serve a 1-year term. Applicants must reside within the city of Chicago and, if selected, complete the CPS New Volunteer Application.  

Those who successfully complete the volunteer application will complete an onboarding process before their names are released publicly. Committee onboarding includes, but is not limited to, participation in CPS’ Mandated Reporter, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Open Meetings Act (OMA), and Ethics trainings. The BSAC plans to appoint its new members in early 2026.

The BSAC is committed to a fair and transparent process for selecting members.  The application process uses an initial screening and scoring methodology to ensure candidates align with the profile criteria outlined in the Illinois School Code, including a demonstrated commitment to racial justice and public education. The application is open to a broad range of CPS stakeholders, including students, parents, public school educators and administrators, social service providers, residents, and community leaders.  

Apply online beginning Monday, Nov. 24 to Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Click HERE to access the application. 

Established in accordance with the Illinois School Code, 105 ILCS 5/34-18.85, the BSAC is a standing committee of the Board. Its purpose is to provide Black students with the maximum opportunity for success in areas where research shows there has been persistent disparities in educational opportunities and outcomes among this group of students during their elementary and secondary education experience. 

In addition to helping the Board shape educational policies, the BSAC will provide reporting and progress monitoring for the Black Student Success Plan, which CPS launched in February 2025. This plan sets a driving student success clear path forward for the next five years, with a focus on immediate action and long-term sustainability for driving student success.