Our Work With LSCs

Local School Councils (LSCs) are an important asset for Chicago’s public schools because they embody local decision-making and community involvement in education. These elected councils include the school principal as well as parents, community members, teachers and other school staff, and students. They have important responsibilities that directly affect principal quality and student outcomes.

A supportive relationship between an LSC and its school leader can accelerate school improvement, creating a shared decision-making space that uses community expertise to meet student needs. That’s why we work with LSCs, Chicago Public Schools, and other nonprofits to create resources for the thousands of LSC members who serve across the city.

LSC Leadership & Engagement Opportunities

Explore Fund programs that support principals and LSCs with leadership development, tools, and community engagement.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRINCIPALS

LSC Mentorship Program

In partnership with Chicago Public Schools’ Department of Principal Quality, this program pairs early-career and experienced principals for yearlong, one-on-one support to improve LSC engagement, trust, and shared decision-making. Support is personalized and grounded in each school’s context.

What You’ll Do

• Meet monthly (July 2025 – February 2026) with a principal mentor.
• Set personalized goals around LSC leadership, entry planning, or community engagement.
• Access curated tools, sample agendas, and templates.

What You’ll Get

Personalized support grounded in real school experience, a peer network of other mentees aiming to improve how they work with their LSC, and optional workshops to support your learning.

Who Should Apply

• Mentees: Principals seeking support with LSC collaboration, structure, or relationship-building.
• Mentors: Experienced principals with strong LSC practices ready to support peers.

Timeline: August 2025 – April 2026

LSC Election Accelerator

This program will help principals address low LSC participation and vacancies ahead of the April 2026 elections by providing customizable outreach tools, workshops, and planning support to increase candidate interest and community engagement.

What You’ll Do

• Join workshops throughout Fall 2025 (virtual or in person) on LSC recruitment, inclusive events, and candidate engagement.
• Support your school team in identifying strong potential candidates.
• Participate in optional fall check-ins, or co-host a candidate forum.

What You’ll Get

Templates, flyers, and school-facing planning tools, early support for your school’s engagement strategy, and training that builds on CPS’ equity and family engagement practices.

Who Should Apply

Open to all CPS principals or assistant principals looking to support their school’s LSC election.

Launch Date: Fall 2025

LSC Working Group Session Facilitator

We are seeking current Chicago Public Schools principals to co-facilitate one session of the 2025-26 LSC Working Group, a cohort of 20 LSC members developing tools to support LSCs across Chicago.

Role Focus

Co-leading one 75-90 minute session for the LSC Working Group, and sharing insights and supporting group discussion.

What You’ll Do

• Co-lead one 75-90 minute session between July 2025 and May 2026.
• Join a short planning call with the Fund team beforehand.
• Support group discussion and share insights from your experience.

What You’ll Get

• A $400 stipend for your participation.
• An opportunity to contribute to the development of LSC support tools.

Timeline: One session between July 2025 and May 2026

OPPORTUNITY FOR LSC MEMBERS

2025-26 LSC Working Group

This program will help bring together a diverse group of 20 current LSC members to develop tools that support LSCs in fulfilling their roles and responsibilities while sharing impactful stories from across the city.

What You’ll Do

• Meet six times for 75-90 minutes between July 2025 and May 2026.
• Actively participate in group discussions and tool development.

What You’ll Get

• A $500 stipend, awarded in two installments upon completing program milestones and active participation.
• Opportunity to shape resources for LSCs across Chicago.

Who Should Apply

Current LSC members passionate about strengthening LSC impact. Applications close June 12, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

Timeline: July 2025 – May 2026