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Apply Now to Serve on the Board of Education’s Special Education Advisory Committee

December 15, 2025

The deadline to apply is Monday, Jan. 12, at 5 p.m.

CHICAGO–The Board of Education of the City of Chicago (Board) Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) is currently accepting membership applications. The SEAC 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 SEAC plans to appoint its new members in early 2026.

The SEAC 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, including a demonstrated commitment to ensuring that the experiences and needs of students with disabilities and their families are represented in decision-making. 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, Dec. 15 to Monday, Jan. 12 at 5:00 p.m. Click HERE to access the application. 

Established in August 2023, the Special Education Advisory Committee serves as a formal advisory body to the Board. The committee provides structured input on policies, programs, and services; elevates issues that require the Board’s attention; and strengthens transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement across special education. The committee will provide quarterly updates (at a minimum) at public Board meetings.

About the Board

The Chicago Board of Education (Board), founded in 1840, is responsible for the governance, organizational, and financial oversight of Chicago Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in the United States. The Board establishes policies, standards, goals, and initiatives to ensure accountability and provide a high quality, world-class education for the 21st century that prepares our students for success in college, work, and life.

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