Cook County’s families deserve better than a bloated, underperforming education system where money is wasted on bureaucracy while classrooms remain underserved. I believe in education reform that empowers parents, respects teachers, and puts students first, not politicians, unions, or administrators.
Our children are not getting the return they deserve on one of the largest public expenditures in the county. As Cook County Board President, I will advocate for smarter spending, greater accountability, and genuine options for families.
The Problem: Spending More, Getting Less
Despite some of the highest education spending in the nation, Cook County continues to see:
Declining test scores and literacy rates
Under-resourced classrooms in working-class neighborhoods
Administrative bloat and political appointments in school leadership
Limited school choice for families who want better options
This is not a funding issue, it’s a priorities issue. Money isn’t reaching the classroom. It’s being absorbed by layers of bureaucracy and policies that protect the system, not the students.
My Plan for Real Education Reform
1. Fund Students, Not Bureaucracies
Redirect resources to where they matter most, the classroom. That means:
Cutting waste at the district and administrative levels
Holding leadership accountable for results
Prioritizing teacher support and classroom materials over executive perks
2. Expand School Choice
Every family should have the freedom to choose the education that fits their values and needs whether that’s public, charter, private, homeschool, or virtual. No child should be forced to stay in a failing school because of their ZIP code.
3. Demand Transparency and Results
Parents deserve to know how schools are performing and where the money is going. I support:
Clear, public school report cards on academics, spending, and outcomes
Audits of education agencies to expose inefficiencies and corruption
Giving local communities more say in school board decisions
4. Respect Parents and Educators
Top-down mandates from state and county offices have disrespected the voices of both parents and frontline educators. I will work to:
Protect parental rights in curriculum decisions
Restore discipline policies that support safe learning environments
Ensure teachers have autonomy to teach without bureaucratic micromanagement
It’s Time to Break the Monopoly
The current system protects itself, not the kids. It’s a top-heavy monopoly that resists reform, innovation, and accountability. I’m not beholden to political machines or teachers’ unions. I’m here for the students, parents, and teachers who show up every day trying to make it work.
If we want real change in education, we need new leadership willing to challenge the status quo, streamline government involvement, and let families take the lead in shaping their children’s futures.
Better schools begin with bold reform. Let’s give power back to the people.