Located on the Southwest and Near Southwest sides, District 7 encompasses the Little Italy, Lower West Side, Little Village, Archer Heights, Brighton Park and Chinatown neighborhoods and covers sections of West Loop, Armour Square, Bridgeport, McKinley Park, Gage Park, West Elsdon and Garfield Ridge.
Here’s what to know about the race in the 7th District. For a look at how the elected school board will work and more on the races in the other districts, click here.
Who’s running?
There are three candidates running in the 7th District: Yesenia Lopez, Eva A. Villalobos and Raquel Don.
How much money has gone into the race?
In the 7th District, roughly $74,000 has been raised among the three candidates on the ballot through Oct. 21.
The most money in this district has been raised by Lopez, amassing around $48,000, followed by Villalobos at roughly $23,000, and then Don, with just shy of $3,000.
What are the candidates’ campaign platforms?
Yesenia Lopez
This candidate did not respond to this questionnaire by the time of publishing.
Eva A. Villalobos
What is your background in education?
I have not worked at any CPS school, but I am active in my children’s school through volunteering, fundraising, the hiring committee, substituting when needed and serving a teacher’s classroom support for new teachers.
Why are you running for a seat on the Chicago Board of Education?
I am running for school board because as a frustrated mother, I am done complaining and waiting for someone else to clean this up. And instead, I am more than ready to be a part of the solution. I am a mother of four students, one of whom has an Individual Education Plan (IEP). I have experienced firsthand the long waiting periods and frustrations that parents face while seeking evaluations and support. Although I consider myself informed and involved in my children’s education, I’ve had to navigate unjust and confusing obstacles that I know many Chicago families struggle with everyday.
Through my professional career, I have a strong background in finance and accounting and, like many other parents, I have had to make the tough decision to put my career on hold to focus on the wellbeing of my children. During this time, I’m extending myself to serve our city and all our children because there is a real need.
As an alumnus of Chicago Public Schools, a devoted mother with lived experience in education, a professional with a strong understanding of finances and a public servant with an unwavering commitment to our students, I know I can help move our schools in the right direction.
How would you describe your campaign platform?
My focus has been and will continue to be prioritizing ALL of our children and listening to them — regardless of the school they attend — making sure that there is more parent involvement in our schools, incrementing Social Emotional Learning programs for ALL kids and staff, and equitable funding to ALL of our schools to make my other ideas possible.
What is the single most important issue facing CPS students?
A couple months ago I would have said mismanagement and misappropriation of funds, but with the current events I have to add: our unstable mayor who is refusing to listen to residents and only wanting to please a one-sided agenda.
Provide three to four key points you want voters to know about your campaign.
I’m a mom fighting for ALL of our kids, not just a group. I’m looking for fair and equitable funding for ALL of our schools and I want to be inclusive and transparent with our parents and students.
To read this candidate’s questionnaire in its entirety, click here.
Raquel Don
This candidate did not respond to this questionnaire by the time of publishing.
The candidates’ responses shown here have been edited for length, style and clarity.
