District 1b School Board Race to Conclude in November
District 1b voters will select a new board member as candidates propose plans to manage the Chicago school budget deficit.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Secondary Education
Live Poll
Should school board members protect teacher salaries even when the school district faces budget deficits?
Candidate Peralta is competing for the District 1b Chicago School Board seat in the November 2026 election. The race follows the withdrawal of Jennifer Custer from the contest this past August.
Why it matters
The outcome of this seat will shape how Chicago Public Schools address their current budget deficit. Voters are evaluating candidates on their ability to manage fiscal challenges while preserving educator salaries.
Peralta is running in District 1b on the Northwest Side, a seat left vacant after the August 2026 withdrawal of Jennifer Custer. The campaign has received endorsements from the Chicago Teachers Union and SEIU Illinois State Council.
The players
Peralta
A school board candidate for District 1b who serves as the district director for U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez and previously worked as chief of staff for state Rep. Lindsey LaPointe.
Chicago Teachers Union
A prominent labor organization representing educators that has issued an endorsement in the District 1b school board race.
SEIU Illinois State Council
A labor union coalition that contributes to political campaigns and has endorsed Peralta for the school board seat.
The details
Peralta aims to address the Chicago Public Schools budget deficit by leveraging experience in government funding and inter-agency coordination. Her platform focuses on protecting educator salaries while managing systemic financial issues. She emphasizes her background as an English-learning immigrant student who attended local schools, including Prosser Career Academy, as a core qualification for navigating district policy.
Timeline
July 2026: Peralta held a campaign fundraiser with 50 attendees.
August 2026: Jennifer Custer withdrew from the school board president race.
Mid-September 2026: SEIU contributed to the Peralta campaign.
November 2026: The school board election takes place.
The Home Front
The District 1b race reflects the broader fiscal challenges facing the Chicago Public Schools system. Voters are weighing candidates based on their strategies for stabilizing district finances without impacting current educator compensation.
District 1b residents should review the candidate platforms ahead of the November 2026 election to understand how proposed budget strategies might impact neighborhood schools. Keep your registration information updated to participate in this local decision regarding school funding.
The takeaway
The school board race in District 1b represents a critical opportunity for families to weigh in on the management of district resources. Review your specific ballot and precinct information to ensure you are prepared to vote in the upcoming November election.
Further reading
For more information on the current state of local schools, visit the Secondary Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Borderless Magazine.
Live Poll
Should school board members protect teacher salaries even when the school district faces budget deficits?
