Local School Councils (LSCs)

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We believe that principals matter. They attract, hire and keep the best teachers and staff in the city; they  help determine their schools’ climate and culture; and develop and implement budgets that meet student needs.

Principals in district public schools wouldn’t be able to do their important work without the support of their LSCs. In over 450 schools, LSCs play a crucial role in determining the leadership of their schools, first and foremost by hiring great principals. They help principals set ambitious goals for their schools, then hold school leaders accountable to ensure community perspectives and priorities are represented.

When principals and LSCs work together, students succeed. That’s why The Fund is working with Chicago Public Schools’ Office of LSC Relations and LSCs to better understand their strengths and needs and create resources for the city’s more than 4,000 LSC members.

2024-25 LSC Supports

The Fund is committed to empowering LSCs and principals across the city through collective action and ongoing collaboration, ensuring they have the resources and support to build strong, responsive school communities that drive student success. Throughout the 2024-25 school year, we will be offering a series of supports for principals and LSC members.

For LSC Members

We are launching a working group with 15-20 LSC members to create practical tools and resources based on insights from our LSC Engagement Survey. A key focus is developing clear criteria for LSC effectiveness, enabling councils to self-identify areas for improvement.

Key Details

• Who can apply: Current LSC members as of the 2024-25 school year are eligible to serve on the working group.
• Participant stipend: Active participants will receive a $300 stipend.
• Application deadline: The application will be open until July 19, 2024.
• Session schedule: A total of five sessions, lasting 60-90 minutes each, will begin in September 2024 and run through April 2025.

Current LSC members can apply by July 19 to join the working group.

You can also nominate an LSC member for our working group .

Questions? View the program details and frequently asked questions. If you can’t find the information you need, please contact Sydney Finley at sfinley@thefundchicago.org.

Complete the Next LSC Member Survey

We encourage LSC members to complete the next LSC Member Engagement Survey; this will help us build a robust data set to inform future initiatives. Check this page in the future for more information.

For Principals

Masterclass Leader Application 2024-25 | LSC Engagement Practices

During the 2024-25 school year, The Fund will offer a series of Masterclasses highlighting successful approaches principals can apply to partner and engage with their LSCs. 

Are you a principal with a proven track record of successful LSC engagement? We’re looking for experienced school leaders to facilitate interactive Masterclass sessions for your peers, sharing your expertise and strategies for working with LSC members.  

Why Lead an LSC-Focused Masterclass?

• Share your expertise: Showcase your successful approaches to LSC engagement and help other principals overcome challenges and increase participation. 
• Network and collaborate: Connect with fellow school leaders and foster a community of practice around LSC partnership.
• Receive a stipend: Earn a $2,000 stipend for developing and leading a single, four- to six-hour Masterclass session.

Masterclass Topics

Ideally, your Masterclass will address at least one of the following key areas of LSC engagement:

• Engagement and communication practices: Effective strategies for communication, engagement, and accessibility within LSC meetings. 
• Transparent decision-making: Building trust and improving outcomes through inclusive and aligned decision-making processes. 
• Capacity building and continuity: Addressing challenges related to developing LSC capacity and ensuring continuity over time. 
• Partnership mindset: Strategies to build school-community partnerships through the LSC. 

Apply Today!

Coaching and Cohort Learning

We will also offer coaching and collaborative learning opportunities for principals to enhance their community engagement practices. Check this page in the future for more information.