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Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third largest school district in the United States, serving over 350,000 students in more than 600 schools and employing nearly 36,000 people, most of them teachers.  CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career and civic life.  In order to fulfill this mission we make three commitments to our students, their families and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability and integrity. Six core principles are embedded within these commitments – student centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.   

The Office of Family and Community Engagement creates opportunities for parents, schools, families, and communities to work together to create meaningful partnerships that ultimately lead to student achievement. The Office of Local School Councils is a critical piece of this work.

Local School Councils (LSCs) play a vital role in decision-making at the local school level, thereby ensuring a quality education for all of the school’s students.  The primary responsibilities of LSCs include approving how school funds and resources are allocated, approving and monitoring the implementation of the annual school improvement plan, and hiring and evaluating the school's contract principal. The LSC Relations Specialist supports LSCs at the school level and is also charged with developing best practices and strategies for the office of Local School Council Relations.

The LSC Relations Specialist will be held accountable for:

• Attending Local School Council (“LSC”) meetings and related functions and activities.

• Advising LSC members and LSCs on State law and Board Rules and Policies related to their powers and duties.

• Providing LSC members with training and supports, and ensuring 100% of all LSC Members complete the required training modules.

• Responding to inquiries regarding LSC matters and issues and providing updates to the Director and Assistant Director on LSC matters that require additional information.

• Meeting with LSC members, principals, parents, to assist in conflict resolution.

• Assisting in conducting the biennial city-wide LSC elections, and increasing participation year over year.

• Assisting in conducting mid-term school staff polls to fill LSC school staff vacancies.

• Work with Chiefs of Schools in assisting and advising LSCs.

• Developing best practices for working with LSCs.

• Identifying, recruiting, and engaging with current and prospective LSC Members, by attending various events across the city.

• Assure that LSC members are in compliance with fingerprinting, background check and Statement of Economic Interest.

• Serve as the local expert on LSC policy.

• Offer best-in-class service to principals, network chiefs, and LSC members.

• Help track minutes for district-led initiatives that require LSC input, such as budget approval, principal selection and evaluation, and other topics.

• Attend 85% of meetings in high-priority schools, deemed as schools without enough members to meet quorum, or schools that have not held their three mandated meetings.

• Responsible for collecting data as it pertains to Title I Compliance, LSC Organizational Meeting, Budget Meeting, and CIWP Meeting.

• Performs additional ad hoc duties as required.

Type of Education :

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.; Master’s degree preferred.

Type of Experience and Number of Years :

• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in community engagement, education policy, and/or public affairs. Experience in building community partnerships, facilitating training, developing both high-level and parent-friendly presentations, and crisis management.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the LSC Relations Specialist must possess the following qualifications:

• Exceptional written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills

• Motivated self-starter

• Willing and able to perform assigned duties in a manner that is sensitive to different personalities, respectful of the role and authority of school leaders, sensitive to community dynamics and political implications

• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of stakeholders

• Excellent organizational skills

• Exceptional negotiation and conflict resolution skills

• Deep commitment to CPS and our students and families

• Ability to analyze, create, and present custom data reports

• Service mindset with strong customer service skills

• Team player who possesses group-thinking skills

• Ability to work evening and weekend hours

• Adherence to performance guidelines established by Senior Leadership

• Other duties as assigned

Residency Requirement :

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.