Chicago Moves Forward on Black Student Success Plan

Chicago is pushing ahead with a groundbreaking plan to boost Black student success, even as legal opposition tries to slow it down.

The Chicago Board of Education just reopened applications for 14 community members to serve on the Black Student Achievement Committee. This group will help shape policies aimed at eliminating educational disparities that have long affected Black students in the city's public schools.

The committee is part of the Black Student Success Plan, which became law in Illinois last year. Over the next five years, the plan will focus on immediate actions and long-term strategies to improve outcomes for Black students from kindergarten through high school.

Community members selected for the BSAC will provide oversight, policy guidance, and accountability to the school board. They'll work directly with educators and administrators to develop targeted approaches that address gaps in achievement and opportunity.

Applications open Monday, February 2 at 9 a.m. and close February 9 at 5 p.m. The committee will be seated in early 2026, just in time to influence policies rolling out that year.

The initiative faces opposition from a national organization that filed a federal complaint alleging discrimination. But Chicago Public Schools is moving forward under state law, prioritizing equity for students who have historically faced systemic barriers in education.

The Ripple Effect

When students succeed, entire communities thrive. This committee represents more than policy changes. It's parents, educators, and neighbors working together to ensure every child gets the support they need to reach their full potential.

Similar equity-focused education initiatives in other cities have shown promising results, from increased graduation rates to higher college enrollment among underserved students. Chicago's approach adds the power of community voices directly shaping the solutions.

The work ahead won't be easy, but it's already creating opportunities for real change in how the city supports its students.