This story was originally published by Hyde Park Herald.

Jessica Biggs, one of the first elected members of the Chicago Board of Education, has launched her campaign for board president, saying the district is “at a crossroads” and needs to refocus on academics and fiscal stability after years of political infighting.

“We’ve spent a lot of time the last couple of years in what feels like a political tug of war, and I think Chicago is tired of that,” Biggs told the Herald. “I want to see the district returning to a focus on teaching and learning and academic achievement.”

Chicago Public Schools Board President candidate Jessica Biggs issued the following statement on Thursday in response to the news that CPS CEO Dr. Maqueline King has reinforced her decision to maintain May 1 as a school day:

“Dr. King made the right choice by making sure May 1 continues to be a school day. The CPS schedule is published well in advance to make sure working parents can plan and provide appropriate care for their kids. A few weeks notice of a day off just isn’t responsible or fair to them.

This story was originally published by Chicago Tribune.

Jessica Biggs, an elected school board member representing parts of downtown and the South Side, officially announced Monday she is running for president of the Chicago Board of Education.

Biggs — a director of the Southwest Organizing Project and a former Chicago Public Schools principal — is the fourth candidate to enter the race to lead the district’s first fully elected board.

This story was originally published by Chicago Tribune.

In April, the Chicago Board of Education unanimously agreed on a clear and transparent process to select the district’s next CEO. We identified a local, minority-and-woman-owned firm — Alma Advisory Group — with extensive experience working with the district. Alma did outstanding work. With Alma’s support, we engaged in the most robust community engagement process in the district’s history…