Chicago School Board Election 2026: The race in District 6b, South Side

In the 2026 Chicago School Board election, a race is being held for District 6b on the South Side, which spans from Lake Shore East to the South Loop and Greater Grand Crossing. The two candidates vying for representation in this district are Michael Neal and Brittany Kimble.

Michael Neal, a South Side native and a longtime pastor, is running against Brittany Kimble, a lawyer and Chicago Public Schools mother. Both candidates are newcomers and have not received endorsements from the major labor unions in the district, the Chicago Teachers Union or the Service Employees International Union. Jessica Biggs, currently representing District 6b, is running for school board president.

District 6b comprises 37 schools, many of which cater primarily to Black students, and have faced significant enrollment declines. At the same time, schools closer to downtown have seen increased enrollment over the past decade. Candidates' constituents are concerned with obtaining quality, well-resourced public schools in all neighborhoods and creating a welcoming environment for their children on campus.

For Neal, improving early childhood education and expanding quality public schools are top priorities, while Kimble aims to address the district's financial issues, improve reading and math proficiency, and reduce the school system's debt. Neal's campaign is supported by Common Ground Collective and The Urban Center, while Kimble's campaign has received financial support from The Urban Center as well.