District 3a School Board Seat to See Election Contest
Voters will choose between incumbent Norma Rios Sierra and challenger Peter Gonzales for their local school board seat.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Administration
Live Poll
Do you prefer school board candidates who align with teacher unions over charter school advocates?
Incumbent Chicago Board of Education member Norma Rios Sierra faces challenger Peter Gonzales for the District 3a seat in the upcoming November 3, 2026 election. The district encompasses 24 schools across neighborhoods including Logan Square and Albany Park that primarily serve Latino students.
Why it matters
The outcome of this race determines the leadership overseeing local school priorities like teacher staffing, mental health support, and the future of charter and dual-language programs. Voters in District 3a will decide which candidate's approach best addresses the specific academic and operational needs of their community's schools.
District 3a consists of 24 schools, including charter, alternative, and dual-language campuses. These facilities are the primary focus of the board election as the district navigates ongoing teacher shortages and debates over program funding.
The players
Norma Rios Sierra
The incumbent Chicago Board of Education member who was appointed by the Mayor in 2024.
Peter Gonzales
A local lawyer and tutor who is challenging the incumbent for a seat on the school board.
Brandon Johnson
The Mayor of Chicago who is responsible for the current appointment of board members.
The details
Peter Gonzales, a lawyer and tutor, is curating support from private donors and charter school advocates to fund his platform. Meanwhile, incumbent Norma Rios Sierra, appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson in 2024, is leveraging her existing relationships with the Chicago Teachers Union and Northwest Side officials to bolster her campaign.
Timeline
2024: Mayor Brandon Johnson appointed Norma Rios Sierra to the school board.
November 3, 2026: The District 3a board election takes place.
The Home Front
This race is part of the city-wide transition to an elected Chicago Board of Education. It marks a significant shift from the previous system of mayoral appointments toward direct neighborhood representation in school district governance.
Families with students in District 3a should review the specific stances of both candidates regarding the future of local charter and dual-language programs. Residents can verify their voting precinct and polling location through the Chicago Board of Elections official portal.
The takeaway
The November 3 vote will shape the administrative priorities for 24 local schools facing challenges like teacher shortages and mental health access. Voters should look up their sample ballot to compare the specific platforms offered by Rios Sierra and Gonzales before heading to the polls.
Further reading
For more on how local governance affects your neighborhood schools, visit the Administration section.
Live Poll
Do you prefer school board candidates who align with teacher unions over charter school advocates?
