COAL issues its Chicago Board of Education Candidate Questionnaire
For Immediate Release
August 24, 2026
Contact:
Mr. Gerald J. Morrow, Co-chair Dr. Kim Dulaney, Co-chair
COAL Education Committee COAL Education Committee
(773) 593-5428 (312) 287-4571
The Coalition of African American Leaders (COAL) issues its Chicago Board of Education Candidate Questionnaire
Chicago, IL — Oversight of our children’s education is among the most important responsibilities in public service. The Chicago Board of Education fulfills this role for Chicago Public Schools (CPS), a system with an annual budget of nearly $10 billion and roughly 630 schools.
Most would agree that Chicago’s public school system has significant room for improvement. In the November 3, 2026 General Election, Chicago voters will decide which Board of Education candidates are best prepared to provide CPS with the vision and oversight needed to strengthen the city’s public schools.
To assist voters in making a more informed decision, COAL’s Education Committee has developed a COAL Chicago Board of Education – Candidate Questionnaire 2026 and invited each candidate for board member and board president to respond. The questionnaire is designed to assess each candidate’s qualifications, preparedness, and commitment to serving on the Chicago Board of Education and to serving the students and families of Chicago.
The overarching goal is to seat a professional, qualified, independent, and engaged school board that is responsible to the community and laser‑focused on providing the best K–12 educational experience for all of Chicago’s children, regardless of family income or zip code.
Questionnaire responses, COAL candidate ratings, and other relevant candidate and election information will be made easily accessible to the public.
“It is time to prioritize the education of our youth, recognizing that access to a quality education is a fundamental human right. And understanding that a quality education provides the foundational tools that empower our next generations to build good lives for themselves, for their families, and for their community.”
Respectfully,
Lance Gough, Chairman, Craig Wimberly, President, and the COAL Education Committee