Michelle N. Pierre – District 1

I bring 26 years of diverse experience in education, beginning as a teacher for grades K-8 and later as a principal, where I successfully turned around two schools in five years. In Southeast DC, I led the creation of the first One-Way Spanish Immersion program. As Chief Academic Officer, I was instrumental in increasing both graduation rates and third-grade reading levels. During my time as Chief Schools Officer in Chicago, 100% of my schools received Commendable ratings from ISBE. Currently, as National Senior Executive Director for a nonprofit, I coach superintendents nationwide and help districts create performance frameworks to monitor student outcomes effectively. My background also includes serving on boards/LSC, which ensures a focus on improving student outcomes and fostering community engagement. With four degrees and my doctorate from University of Pennsylvania, I am dedicated to implementing strategies that have an impact on student outcomes.

I would work towards ensuring the school board should implement a comprehensive accountability framework that includes regular audits, performance evaluations, and public reporting of key metrics in order to increase student achievement for all children. This includes supporting a third-party independent audit of CPS to ensure financial transparency and accountability. Additionally, the board should create a formal feedback loop, where stakeholders can voice their concerns and receive timely responses.

I believe in the importance of transparent and regular communication with constituents. I will implement monthly updates through newsletters, town hall meetings, and social media to keep the community informed about CPS initiatives, board decisions, and upcoming votes.

By maintaining open lines of communication, I will ensure that constituents have a voice in the decision-making process and are kept informed of the district’s progress.

To promote transparency, I will advocate for the public release of board meeting minutes and financial reports, including detailed breakdowns of budget allocations and expenditures. Additionally, I will support live-streaming board meetings and making these recordings accessible to the public. These measures will help ensure that the community is well-informed and that the board’s actions are open to scrutiny. Transparency is essential for building trust and ensuring that the board’s decisions reflect the community’s best interests.

To understand the interests and positions of my constituents, I will establish advisory councils composed of parents, students, teachers, and community leaders. I will also conduct regular surveys and focus groups to gather input from a broad cross-section of the community. These methods will allow me to stay connected with the community’s needs and priorities, ensuring that my decisions are guided by the voices of those most affected. By prioritizing community engagement, I will ensure that the board’s actions align with the interests of the district’s residents rather than political funders or special interests.

I am running for the Chicago School Board in District 1 to advocate for a high-quality, equitable education system that uplifts all students. As a former Chief Academic Officer and an advocate for community engagement, I have seen the transformative power of education in shaping the lives of young people. I bring a deep understanding of the challenges facing our schools, particularly the need for comprehensive support for underserved communities. My goal is to ensure that every student has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed, regardless of their background.

CPS should be held accountable for efficient spending while ensuring that essential services like instruction supports students. I would also encourage partnerships with local businesses and philanthropic organizations to help bridge any funding gaps.

To increase funding for CPS, I will advocate for fair and progressive taxation policies at the state level and seek additional federal funding opportunities. I will also work on partnerships with local businesses and philanthropic organizations. Ensuring equitable distribution of funds involves using data to identify and address disparities in resource allocation, focusing on schools with the greatest needs, and implementing a transparent budget process. My training in budget management from Georgetown University equipped me with the skills to ensure that funds are used efficiently and effectively, providing the greatest benefit to students.

Addressing the achievement gap requires targeted interventions and support. I will advocate for culturally responsive curricula, increased funding for schools serving predominantly African American communities, and additional support services like tutoring and mentoring. Implementing data-driven strategies, such as early intervention programs, will also help identify and address learning gaps early on. According to CPS data, only 28% of Black students met or exceeded expectations in reading, compared to 43% district wide. This stark disparity highlights the need for focused efforts to provide equitable resources and support.

I will ensure the Black Student Achievement Committee is composed of individuals with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Black students. This includes educators, community leaders, and parents who are committed to equity and inclusion. I will advocate for a transparent and community-driven selection process, ensuring that the African American community has a strong voice in choosing committee members. By prioritizing the needs and voices of the community, we can develop effective strategies to cleanse the achievement gap and improve educational outcomes for Black students. I am very proud of the fact that I have closed the achievement gaps for Black students. This was because I set high expectations for all students. I would then make sure to review the data on a consistent basis and also ensure there are strategies specifically for Black students.

Selective enrollment, charter, magnet, and gifted programs play a valuable role in Chicago’s public education system by providing tailored learning environments for students with diverse academic needs and interests. However, it’s crucial that these programs do not exacerbate inequities. We must ensure that access to these programs is fair, with a focus on increasing diversity and representation. Additionally, it’s important that neighborhood schools receive the support they need so families are not forced to rely on specialized programs to receive a high-quality education. Balancing choice with equity will ensure CPS serves all students effectively.

With the influx of new migrant students, CPS must prioritize bilingual education to meet the diverse linguistic needs of its students. I would advocate for expanding dual-language programs and providing professional development for teachers to deliver high-quality instruction to English learners. At LEARN Charter Network, I worked with bilingual campuses to ensure curriculum adaptation and increased services, which resulted in significant academic gains. By investing in resources such as language support staff, culturally responsive materials, and family engagement, we can help students succeed academically while supporting their cultural identity.

Ensuring that students with special needs receive adequate support requires improving CPS’s current special education system. I would prioritize filling the hundreds of vacant special education positions and reducing the caseloads for school psychologists, so students are assessed and supported in a timely manner. As a board member, I would push for increased funding, stronger oversight, and regular audits to ensure compliance with federal laws. Collaboration with parents and advocacy groups is also essential to making sure that students’ individualized education plans (IEPs) are followed and that schools have the resources they need to provide equitable education for all students.

I support the implementation and funding of CPS’s Whole School Safety Plan. This plan offers a comprehensive approach, ensuring schools foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment by addressing students’ physical, emotional, and relational safety. By focusing on restorative practices, conflict resolution, and mental health support, the plan moves beyond traditional security measures. I believe it’s essential to further invest in school counselors, social workers, and community partnerships to strengthen these goals. We must also regularly assess the plan’s effectiveness and adjust it based on data and feedback from students, staff, and families.

To reduce chronic absenteeism, we need a multi-faceted approach that addresses underlying causes such as poverty, transportation barriers, and lack of engagement. My experience as CAO at CMSD has shown that community partnerships can make a significant impact. In Cleveland, I worked with the Cleveland Browns and United Way on an attendance initiative, where players called home and we provided families with needed resources. A similar approach could be applied in CPS, engaging local organizations and high-profile figures to promote the importance of school attendance. Additionally, CPS should invest in early intervention programs, provide mental health support, and create safe, welcoming school environments that foster student engagement.

To close the opportunity gap, I will focus on expanding access to CTE programs, and early college credit opportunities. Providing resources for career counseling and job training, especially in high-demand fields, will help prepare students for post-secondary academic success. By offering a variety of pathways to success, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

To ensure all students have access to high-quality curriculum, the board should ensure that schools have access to Skyline or other high quality curriculum that meet the needs of the students that they serve. In addition, it’s crucial that educators receive ongoing professional development to effectively implement these materials. Furthermore, I believe in giving teachers the flexibility to adapt the curriculum to meet the specific needs of their students while maintaining high academic rigor. Schools should also be equipped with instructional coaches and resources to help guide curriculum implementation and ensure all students, regardless of background, have equal access to top-tier instruction.

By maintaining open channels of communication and providing clear accountability measures, the board can ensure that it is responsive to the needs of students, parents, and community members. To center community vision and values, the Board must actively involve stakeholders at every stage of the decision-making process. As someone who has been involved in strategic planning and governance, I believe in the power of data-informed decisions that reflect the community’s priorities. The board should regularly solicit feedback from families, educators, and community leaders, ensuring that the district’s initiatives align with the community’s goals. By holding public forums and creating advisory committees, we can ensure that the voices of students, parents, and teachers are central to the decisions made by the board. Transparency and collaboration will guide my approach.

Principals are the key drivers of success within a school and should be empowered to make decisions that best serve their unique communities. However, district oversight is still essential to ensure equity, consistency, and adherence to district-wide goals. Local School Councils (LSCs) should have input in principal hiring and evaluation, but the district must provide ongoing professional development and resources to ensure principals can lead effectively. Reducing unnecessary bureaucratic tasks will allow principals to focus on instructional leadership, student outcomes, and fostering a positive school culture while maintaining accountability.

We should explore creative solutions to utilize these spaces effectively, such as consolidating resources, creating community hubs, or introducing new programs that attract and retain students. Any decision to close a school must be made with extensive community input and a thorough analysis of the impact on students, families, and neighborhoods.

I have been involved in three rounds of contracts in my education. The collective bargaining process should be collaborative and transparent, with both sides keeping student outcomes at the forefront of discussions. As a school board member, I would advocate for open dialogue, respect for all parties involved, and a focus on solutions that balance the needs of teachers, principals, and students. It’s crucial that negotiations consider the importance of fair wages and working conditions while also ensuring the district remains fiscally responsible. My goal would be to create an environment where labor contracts support both the wellbeing of educators and the educational success of our students.

I have been involved in three rounds of contracts in my education. The collective bargaining process should be collaborative and transparent, with both sides keeping student outcomes at the forefront of discussions. As a school board member, I would advocate for open dialogue, respect for all parties involved, and a focus on solutions that balance the needs of teachers, principals, and students. It’s crucial that negotiations consider the importance of fair wages and working conditions while also ensuring the district remains fiscally responsible. My goal would be to create an environment where labor contracts support both the wellbeing of educators and the educational success of our students.