Jesus Ayala Jr.
Chicago Board of Education, District 7a, on the Chicago ballot November 3, 2026.
Running on
Ayala says he would focus on students' academic outcomes, including evaluating whether the district's Skyline curriculum is producing the gains it should. He wants to address high absenteeism by improving the student experience, including more attention to bullying, and says the board spends too much time on single-school matters instead of districtwide issues. He says relying on unsecured state funds to balance the budget is a mistake. He is backed by the SEIU Illinois State Council, charter school advocates, and the Common Ground Collective.
Background
Worked at MetroSquash, a nonprofit youth squash and academic program, from 2020 until August 2026, when he left to campaign. CPS graduate who grew up in Bucktown.
Compiled from public sources:
Everyone in this race: Chicago Board of Education, District 7a