This month, Chicago entered uncharted territory with its first hybrid elected school board — a historic shift after 187 years of appointed governance. When the district’s onboarding plans stalled amid political turmoil, the Academy for Local Leadership, or ALL Chicago, stepped in to fill the gap. Over a weeklong series, we brought together newly elected members, policy experts and former Chicago Public Schools leaders to prepare these trailblazers for the monumental tasks ahead. This is more than a procedural shift — it’s a generational opportunity to transform education in Chicago. For the first time, our school board represents the diverse voices of Chicago’s neighborhoods. This hybrid elected-appointed board is a step toward the fully elected board set to launch in 2026. While this milestone is historic, it also comes with unprecedented challenges. CPS serves 320,000 students across 600-plus schools, manages a $10 billion budget and employs tens of thousands of staff. Governing a system of this scale requires more than good intentions; it demands clarity of purpose, collaborative leadership and community trust. During our sessions, eight of the 10 newly elected members, along with one appointed member, joined national education leaders, policy experts and former CPS administrators to tackle the essentials of effective governance. Together, we explored what makes school boards successful: A clear commitment to prioritizing student learning. Crafting of a vision rooted in community values. Transparent management of tensions and trade-offs. Evidence-based decision-making that extends beyond personal experience. But effective governance is more than a checklist. Beyond technical skills, we grounded our discussions in a simple truth: This is not just hard work; it is heart work. Board members must build authentic relationships across lines of difference, engage in constructive conflict and find common ground. These principles are not optional — they are essential. A powerful moment came when each participant was asked two questions: What do you hope to accomplish as a board member? And what is the purpose of the school system? Whereas answers to the first question varied — from financial stability to racial equity — the answer to the second was unanimous. The purpose of the school system is to help students fulfill their dreams. This shared vision should guide every decision the board makes. Yet today, divisive narratives, often fueled by external interest groups, risk creating an “us versus them” mentality between elected and appointed members. This division undermines collaboration and hinders the reforms parents and voters expect. Both sides agree on far more than they disagree on. The elections are over. It is time to govern. The board’s challenges are clear: Finalize a teachers’ contract. Approve the fiscal year 2026 budget. Implement a new accountability system. These tasks will require positive leadership and collaboration, not division. To the board members, I say: Act as one team, united in purpose. Don’t allow outside interests to distract from your responsibilities.  Let your shared vision — to help students fulfill their dreams — be the compass that guides your governance. To the philanthropy, nonprofit and advocacy groups, I say: Let’s create spaces for inclusive, transparent and authentic conversations with our elected officials. These leaders need ongoing training, resources and community support to succeed. Together, we can build the trust and collaboration necessary to transform CPS into a system that serves all students equitably. To families across Chicago, I say: This is a historic moment, but it requires all of us to stay engaged. Attend board meetings, ask questions and hold our representatives accountable for putting students first. Collaboration brought us this far; let’s ensure it continues. Chicago’s elected school board is a bold experiment, and the eyes of the nation are watching. Our success can set a precedent for other cities navigating similar transitions. By prioritizing unity, transparency and a commitment to students, we can turn this historic shift into a generational opportunity. Now is the time to govern. Bridget Lee is executive director of the Academy for Local Leadership (ALL Chicago). Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email [email protected].