HB0557 Summary

• Amends the Election Code to establish a consolidated election schedule for Chicago Board of Education members, with 21 elected members (20 district-based plus 1 at-large president) beginning with the April 2023 election.

• Changes Chicago Board of Education member eligibility requirements to reduce residency from 3 years to 1 year in the city and electoral district, and requires candidates to be nominated by petition with 250 signatures (2,500 for at-large candidates).

• Transfers appointment authority for the School Inspector General from the Mayor to the elected Board of Education beginning March 20, 2018.

• Establishes 20 electoral districts for Chicago Board of Education elections to be created by the General Assembly by January 1, 2017, with redistricting requirements following each decennial census.

• Adds conflict of interest provisions prohibiting board members from holding contracts with the school district and restricting post-service employment with entities that received contracts of $25,000 or more from the board within one year of service.