Chicago School Board Election 2026: The race in District 5a, West Side

In the 2026 Chicago School Board election, a race is taking place in District 5a on the city's West Side. The district, which encompasses 39 schools serving mostly Black and Latino students, has been struggling with declining enrollment and low academic performance. Incumbent Aaron "Jitu" Brown, a veteran community organizer, is seeking re-election and plans to secure more state funding and reduce administrative overhead in Chicago Public Schools (CPS).

However, his challenger, LaPamela Williams, a candidate backed by school choice advocates, argues for increased financial accountability and cutting expenses that aren't benefiting students.

Williams, an Austin native who attended Lane Tech College Prep, was inspired to run for the board by her passion for learning and community. Less than 7% of high schoolers in District 5a choose their neighborhood school, according to CPS data. One notable high school, Frederick Douglass Academy in Austin, had only 27 students last year. Brown and Williams' political opponents, LaPamela Williams and Kernetha Jones, both live in Austin and have differing views on charter schools.

Williams supports expanding independently run public charter schools if there is community support, while Brown and Jones oppose their expansion. Each candidate has a unique background in education advocacy and organizing, with Williams having only a short career in the field and Brown having decades of experience fighting against school closings and supporting neighborhood schools.