A World-Class Education for All,
Not Just the
Lucky Few.
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Our Mission
To support candidates in Chicago and across Illinois who back a common sense agenda that builds strong families, safe neighborhoods, world-class schools and greater economic opportunities.
Our Vision
Urban Center Action believes every child must have access to a world-class education, regardless of their race, income, academic ability, or ZIP code.
A World-Class Education For All
“Today, we are closer to fulfilling America’s promise of economic and social justice because we stand on the shoulders of giants like Dr. King, yet our future progress will depend on how we prepare our next generation of leaders.”
– Barack Obama
Chicago is failing the next generation, and we must do something about it before it’s too late. Chicago must provide a quality education to every child, not just the lucky few.
This fall, Chicagoans have a historic opportunity to redefine leadership and governance of Chicago Public Schools. The opportunity is paved by the upcoming transition of the Chicago Board of Education from the current 7-member mayor-appointed body to a 21-member elected body. With 10 districts on the ballot this fall, parents and the community can elect school board candidates who prioritize students’ and families’ interests rather than special interests. This a monumental chance to initiate a transformative reversal of the decline in Chicago’s schools.
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Not Just The Lucky Few
With only 25 out of every 100 students reading at grade level, the time for action is now.
For years, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) has wielded disproportionate control over Chicago Public Schools, prioritizing the interests of the lucky few rather than the needs of all students. Under CTU’s influence, accountability measures have been dismantled, and critical reforms that could elevate the quality of education have been blocked, leaving countless students behind. While public education in Chicago continues to decline, CTU’s senior leadership has quietly opted to send their own children to elite private schools—schools that remain out of reach for the vast majority of Chicago families.
The CTU’s dominance has transformed our public schools from a vehicle for equitable education into a platform for political power and self-interest. The election of Mayor Brandon Johnson, a former CTU employee, has only tightened the union’s grip on Chicago Public Schools, further entrenching their unchecked power.
We must challenge this status quo and demand a school board that prioritizes students over special interests. A quality education should not be a privilege reserved for the few—it must be a right guaranteed to every child in Chicago. We cannot allow our children’s futures to be dictated by powerful special interests. It’s time to reclaim our schools and ensure they are accountable to parents and taxpayers, not political machines.
Let’s work together to fix the decline of Chicago Public Schools and provide a world-class education to all children—because every child deserves more than just a chance; they deserve a future.
Independent Reform Candidates
Michelle N. Pierre
District 1
Dr. Michelle Pierre is a dedicated mother and accomplished education professional with over two decades of experience spanning various roles within the educational system.
Her journey, which began with a diverse educational background in Catholic, private, and public schools, provided her with a unique understanding of the importance of navigating the educational system to secure the best opportunities. This foundation propelled her to pursue higher education, culminating in an educational doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania.
Throughout her career, Dr. Pierre has held nearly every position within the education field, from classroom teacher to district-level administrator, driven by a deep commitment to improving the lives of children. Her firsthand experience in education has fueled her passion for ensuring that every child has access to quality education and that families are equipped with the choices and support they need to succeed. Now, as a candidate for the Chicago School Board, Dr. Pierre is focused on transforming the education system to better serve the needs of all children. She envisions a future where every family is empowered and every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Bruce Leon
District 2
Bruce Leon is running for the Chicago Board of Education to be a citizen-leader on our city’s most important government body. Bruce believes that all children deserve a world-class education,…
not just the lucky few. As the father of four daughters and grandfather of many grandchildren, Bruce knows how a quality education can transform the lives of children, but he believes that the current broken system, income inequality, and lack of access keep the best education opportunities reserved for the lucky few. As a school board member, Bruce will ensure that all Chicago students are afforded their right to a quality education, regardless of their race, income, or zip code.
A fifth-generation Chicagoan, Bruce is the founder of a successful small business that provides HR services to small and mid-sized businesses. An entrepreneur, Bruce started the company with two employees and grew it into the largest HR provider in the Midwest. Key to his values as a successful business owner, Bruce believes that all businesses have a responsibility and an opportunity beyond profit generation to support the communities they serve. An active community leader, Bruce brings his intense passion for social justice and a commitment to addressing income inequality to everything he does. Bruce’s civic work is focused on helping indigent communities in Chicago, supporting entrepreneurship for minority or disadvantaged communities, and providing education and leadership opportunities for young people.
Carlos A. Rivas, Jr.
District 3
Carlos Rivas is a lifelong resident of Humboldt Park with a deep passion for education and community engagement, driving his decision to run for the Chicago Board of Education.
Having personally experienced the pivotal role that Chicago Public Schools (CPS) can play in a student’s life, Carlos is committed to ensuring that every student receives the quality education they deserve. He believes that schools should serve as pillars of support for students, providing them with the resources and opportunities necessary to succeed, just as they did for him.
Carlos’s extensive background in education and public service uniquely positions him to advocate for students and families across Chicago. Currently serving as the Director of Public Affairs at the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), Carlos has forged critical partnerships with community-based organizations, particularly in Latino communities, to expand COPA’s outreach and build trust in underserved areas. His previous experience includes eight years with Noble Schools, where he excelled as a Spanish instructor, Alumni Counselor, and External Affairs Manager. During his tenure, Carlos significantly improved college retention rates and built robust parent engagement programs. His dedication to supporting students and families extends beyond his professional roles, as demonstrated by his volunteer work during the migrant crisis, where he provided crucial support to new arrivals in Chicago. With a background in education and a strong commitment to community, Carlos is ready to bring his expertise and passion to the Chicago Board of Education, advocating for a brighter future for all CPS students.
Ellen Rosenfeld
District 4
Ellen Rosenfeld is a dedicated advocate for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) with a rich background that spans over three decades of hands-on experience in various roles within the system….
As a parent who sent all four of her children through CPS from kindergarten to 12th grade, she has a deep understanding of the challenges and successes within the district. Her commitment to education extends beyond her family, having served as a 3rd-grade teacher at Dulles and Hartigan elementary schools, where she experienced the impact of limited resources firsthand. Ellen’s leadership was further recognized when she was elected as the chairwoman of the Local School Council at Bell Elementary, a role that allowed her to directly influence local education policies.
In her professional capacity, Ellen has spent nearly a decade as a family and community engagement specialist at CPS, where she pioneered initiatives such as the parent university, designed to enhance parental involvement in their children’s education. Her unique perspective, drawn from her experiences as a CPS parent, teacher, LSC member, and CPS staff member, equips her with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and opportunities within the education system. Running for the first CPS Elected School Board, Ellen is committed to being a voice for those often overlooked and a champion for equity. Her goals include maintaining accessibility through regular town hall meetings, creating incentive programs to attract and retain excellent teachers in underserved communities, and increasing parental involvement in students’ educational journeys. Ellen is determined to ensure that every CPS student has access to a high-quality education, regardless of their ZIP code, and is ready to bring her passion and experience to the Board of Education.
Andre Smith
District 6
Andre Smith is a relentless community advocate dedicated to improving the lives of all Chicagoans. Andre is running for the Chicago Board of Education in the 6th District because the future of our city…
depends on turning around our schools and giving all children a world-class education, not just the lucky few.
Andre has fought for the residents of his community for the last 32 years, founding the nonprofit Chicago Against Violence to combat gun violence citywide and leading community initiatives to provide healthcare access to indigent residents and against unfair property tax increases that disproportionately hurt the working poor. Born in Bronzeville, Smith grew up in the Robert Taylor Homes and attended DuSable High School. After high school, he received technical training in welding from the Job Corps and opened several barber shops on the South Side. He matriculated at Chicago’s Moody Bible Institute in 1998, after which he served as a minister at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church.
As a member of the school board, Andre will be a voice for students, parents, and taxpayers, not the political class that puts their interests first. The 6th District needs a tireless advocate like Andre Smith who has spent his entire career working to reduce gun violence and give young people the opportunity to thrive in a safe and prosperous community.
Eva A. Villalobos
District 7
Eva Villalobos is a passionate advocate for quality education and community safety, driven by her experiences as a mother of four girls. Her deep commitment to empowering parents…
and improving education for all children in Chicago has led her to run for the Chicago Board of Education in District 7. Eva’s journey began when she faced significant challenges in securing adequate support and resources for her two adopted daughters during the early days of the pandemic. This eye-opening experience fueled her determination to address the broader issues facing Chicago’s public schools. Eva is focused on creating a more transparent, inclusive, and effective education system that prioritizes the needs of children and gives parents a stronger voice in their education.
Eva’s campaign, “All About Our Kids,” reflects her unwavering dedication to optimizing various aspects of education, including health, social-emotional learning, financial literacy, and trade skills. She believes in a comprehensive approach that prepares children not only academically but also equips them with the tools to succeed in life and contribute positively to society. Eva is committed to transparency, ensuring that parents, teachers, and staff understand how tax dollars are being utilized to benefit students. Her grassroots campaign emphasizes community involvement and the belief that together, Chicago can build a stronger, more inclusive education system for all its children.
Angel Gutierrez
District 8
Angel Gutierrez brings over 25 years of executive management and leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, where his passion for problem-solving has driven him to find creative…
and collaborative solutions to complex challenges. Born and raised in Chicago, Angel’s early life was shaped by his experiences growing up near Farragut and Little Village high schools, and later in Marquette Park, where he attended Quigley Preparatory Seminary South High School. His upbringing in a strict household instilled in him a strong work ethic and a commitment to helping others, values that have guided his career. Angel’s interest in education led him to Niles College of Loyola University, where his academic excellence and leadership roles further cemented his dedication to community service.
Throughout his career, Angel has made significant contributions to various organizations, including Catholic Charities and Catholic Health Initiatives, where his leadership skills were instrumental in launching successful initiatives, such as the WIC Grocery Store in Humboldt Park. His experience extends to governance and public policy, where he played a key role in public projects like the redesign of Denver’s Manual High School. Currently, as a consultant, Angel helps nonprofits with operations, governance, fundraising, and strategic planning. His recent successes include raising over $117 million for Chicago Hope Academy High School and Catholic Charities, as well as co-chairing the Nuestro Futuro Fund at the Chicago Community Trust, which awarded $3.1 million in grants to over 70 nonprofits. Angel is deeply committed to leveraging his extensive experience to continue making a positive impact in the community.
Miquel Lewis
District 9
Dr. Miquel Lewis is deeply committed to serving the youth of our city. He will bring this commitment and his decades of experience to Chicago’s elected school board. Drawing upon…
decades of experience working in influential public institutions that impact thousands of young individuals, along with his personal experience raising three children through their educational journey, Dr. Miquel Lewis remains steadfast in his belief in the transformative power of education, and is committed to ensuring all children receive what they need to achieve their dreams.
Dr. Miquel Lewis is a lifelong resident of Chicago and has been committed to serving a population of children that are often overlooked. He is the Acting Director/Chief Probation Officer for the Cook County Juvenile Probation and Court Services Department, and serves on the Supreme Court Committee on Juvenile Courts. A trained and licensed psychologist, Miquel Lewis has more than fifteen years of experience in forensic and organizational psychology in the public safety sector of local government.
Dr. Miquel Lewis previously served on the Chicago Board of Education after being appointed in 2023. He also served on the Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund and as chairman of the board of directors for the NOBLE Network of Charter Schools. His service with the NOBLE board began as a parent appointee when his daughter was enrolled in one of its high schools.
Karin Norington-Reaves
District 10
Karin Norington-Reaves is a dedicated advocate for educational equity and a passionate leader with deep ties to Chicago Public Schools (CPS), both as an alumna and a parent of four children..
currently enrolled in public schools. As the founding CEO of the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to expanding opportunities for young people, particularly in career readiness and technical education. Her career is marked by a series of impactful roles, including working as a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, serving as executive director of the Chicago chapter of Teach for America, and holding key positions in Chicago’s local government. Karin’s drive to improve the education system stems from her firsthand experiences navigating CPS’s special education accommodations for her daughter, an experience that has fueled her determination to push for more inclusive and effective policies for differently-abled learners.
Karin’s priorities, if elected to the Chicago Board of Education, center around addressing the inconsistencies in resources and services across schools, ensuring that every student has access to the quality education they deserve. She is particularly focused on expanding career readiness programs to better prepare students for life beyond the classroom. Her experience leading the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, including coordinating the nationally recognized “100,000 Opportunities Initiative” with Starbucks, highlights her ability to bring together public and private sectors to create meaningful change. Karin’s deep understanding of systems of change and her commitment to public policy reform make her a powerful advocate for Chicago’s students and families as she seeks to be a voice for equitable education on the Board of Education.