SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the Senate approved a measure that would establish the Chicago Elected Representative School Board:

“I am proud to have voted for a long-overdue measure to implement a fully elected Chicago school board. Parents and other residents will finally be able to have their voice heard in a democratic process as it relates to the quality of education for our youth.”

“This legislation presents a responsible transition for a Chicago Representative Elected School Board, especially given that this entity oversees a more than $9 billion budget and the education of more than 320,000 students.”

“We have fought and advocated for an elected school board for many years – a school board that includes representation from the very people it makes decisions for. It is time to bring it to fruition.”