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LOCAL SCHOOL COUNCIL NOMINATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE NOW!! click here to view in English or Spanish

These forms can be used for newly appointed members to the LSC.

Local School Council Election information can be found here.

Visit our Human Resources site to view Principal vacancies.

What is a Local School Council?

Local School Councils are the site-based management team of each school. Their primary responsibilities are to select the school´s principal, renew the principal’s contract, develop the School Improvement Plan for Advancing Academic Achievement (SIPAAA) and developing the school´s budget for the school year.

What is the composition of an LSC?

Local School Councils are made up of the principal, teachers, parents and community members.

Elementary school LSCs consist of 11 voting members:

1 - Principal

6 - Parent Representatives

2 - Community Representatives

2 - Teacher Representatives

High school LSCs consist of 12 voting members:

1 - Principal

6 - Parent Representatives

2 - Community Representatives

2 - Teacher Representatives

1 - Student Representative*

* The student representative is not eligible to vote on personnel matters including, but not limited to, principal selection, evaluation, and retention; contractual agreements; and the allocation of teaching and staff resources. 

Who Is Eligible To Run For The Local School Council?

To find out who is eligible to run for a seat on a local school council, click here.

What Type Of Instructional Guidance Or Training Do Local School Council Members Receive?

There are a number of instructional learning sessions provided for local school council members to enhance their knowledge of how LSCs operate and their role as a LSC member. A list of these lessons can be found here.

Historical Background of Chicago School Reform

1979 - CPS system goes bankrupt; School Finance Authority established.

1985 - Legislation establishes statewide school accountability.

1987 - CPS endures a 19 day school strike.

Mayor Harold Washington convenes Education Summit.

1988 - Chicago School Reform Act passes;

• Creates Local School Councils, subdistrict councils, School Board Nominating Commission, and Mayor-appointed interim board.

• Shifts resources to schools, including State Chapter 1 funds.

• Mandates school improvement plans.

1989 - October: Election of first LSC

• 17,256 people run for seats.

• 312,000 people cast their ballots.

• 6,000 members elected to serve on LSCs.

Nominating Commission nominates permanent 15-member board.

1990-91 - LSC voting process declared unconstitutional.

Legislature enacts law creating new LSC election process.

1993 - CPS´ budget does not balance; schools do not open on time.

Massive parent and community protests.

Court intervenes to open schools.

Budget balanced by issuing bonds and taking part of State Chapter 1 money, teachers´ pension fund, and SFA reserve fund.

1994 - Election dates changed to spring report card pick-up day.

1995 - Legislation restructures CPS system

• Five member Board Of Trustees (BOT) and CEO appointed by mayor.

• Mandates Academic Accountability Council.

• Makes changes in collective bargaining.

• Incoming LSC members required to take 3 days of training (18 hours).

1996 - CPS has ability to set criteria for principal positions.

1999 - Legislation restructures CPS system

Two members are added to the BOT and name reverts back to Board of Education.

SB652 passes and becomes PA-61-622 which mandates:

• Criminal background checks for all LSC members

• LSC members no longer have to file Statement of Economic Interest with Cook County.

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