Preckwinkle, Yancy Endorse Jessica Biggs for CPS Board President (Chicago, IL) – Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Chicago Ald. Desmon Yancy have endorsed Jessica Biggs in her campaign for president of the Chicago Board of Education, adding two prominent local officials to a growing list of supporters ahead of the November election.
Preckwinkle announced her endorsement Tuesday, citing Biggs’ experience as an educator and her stated focus on educational access and governance.
“I urge Chicagoans to support Jessica Biggs in the November election for CPS board president,” Preckwinkle said. “Jessica is an experienced educator who is committed to making sure every kid in Chicago has access to a great education, no matter what neighborhood they’re growing up in. I trust her to bring responsible, principled leadership to our school system.”
Preckwinkle previously taught high school history on Chicago’s South Side for 10 years and served nearly two decades as 4th Ward alderman. She has led Cook County government since 2010.
Yancy, who represents Chicago’s 5th Ward, also cited Biggs’ background in education and her work with parents and school communities.
“Jessica has spent her whole career inside schools and alongside the families who depend on them, and it shows in the way she governs,” Yancy said. “She listens to parents, she works to hold district leadership accountable, and she keeps the conversation where it belongs, on whether our kids are learning.”
Biggs currently represents District 6 on the Chicago Board of Education. Her background includes serving as a special education teacher and principal at Burke Elementary School in Washington Park, as well as working as a community organizer with the Southwest Organizing Project. She is also a CPS parent.
Biggs said the endorsements reflect support for her approach to school board governance.
“President Preckwinkle and Ald. Yancy have shown us what it means to deliver steady leadership and sound governance to our communities,” Biggs said. “I’m proud to have earned their support, and am grateful to have them with us in the fight for a school board that puts students and their learning first, governs responsibly, and answers to Chicago’s families.”
The endorsements add to a coalition that includes the SEIU Illinois State Council, several Chicago alderpersons, members of the Chicago Board of Education, state lawmakers, a Cook County commissioner, clergy and former Chicago Public Schools officials.
Among those previously listed as supporting Biggs are Alds. Pat Dowell, Lamont Robinson, Scott Waguespack and Timmy Knudsen; Board of Education members Therese Boyle, Carlos Rivas Jr. and Dr. Che “Rhymefest” Smith; Cook County Democratic Committeewomen Laura Yepez and Lucy Moog; state Reps. Curtis Tarver and Nick Smith; Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry; Pastor Chris Harris; former CPS CEO Dr. Janice Jackson; and former Ald. Dick Simpson.
The November election will determine the next leadership of the Chicago Board of Education as the district continues its transition toward an elected school board structure.
Preckwinkle, Yancy Endorse Jessica Biggs for CPS Board President
