Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, a Democrat, has voiced agreement with the city’s Board of Education regarding the removal of police officers from high schools. The Board, seeking to terminate the Chicago Police Department’s $10.3 million contract, has garnered support from Mayor Johnson, who indicated his approval for the removal.
Notably, a significant shift in the composition of the Board has occurred, with many members approving the previous year’s contract being replaced by appointees selected by Mayor Johnson. Acknowledging this shift, Johnson expressed support for the Board’s direction, emphasizing the existing intergovernmental agreement between Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Police Department. Mayor Johnson affirmed that he has no reservations about ending this agreement.
Last month, Chicago Public School officials informed high school principals that police officers would not be present in the upcoming fall. Mayor Johnson, initially opposing the presence of officers on school grounds during his mayoral campaign, later reversed his stance after assuming office, suggesting that the decision to remove officers should be left to local school councils. However, he has now reversed his position once again.
In 2020, amid the George Floyd protests, the Chicago Teachers’ Union advocated for the removal of police from schools. The union argued that funds allocated for the $33 million contract between CPS and CPD could be better utilized for restorative justice coordinators, social workers, nurses, trauma supports, and other critical school programs.
Recent reports have suggested that the Chicago Board of Education sought to strip Local School Councils, consisting of parents, teachers, and students, of the authority to decide on the presence of school resource officers (SROs) on their campuses. It is anticipated that this summer, the Board will vote on whether to renew the contract with the Chicago Police Department.
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