With just days left until Chicago’s historic Elected School Board election, who is really sending the candidates?

In this episode, we speak with Michael Neal, candidate for District 6B (covering River North down to Park Manor, including Bronzeville, South Loop, and Woodlawn).

Neal is a pastor, youth non-profit leader, and former Kenwood Local School Council member. He shares his vision for community-led education oversight

We dive into the tough questions facing CPS voters:
• Lived experience with school closures: What happened to Price Elementary and Neal’s stance on the upcoming CPS moratorium
• Funding & PAC support: Addressing contributions from INCS and Common Ground Collective vs. independence from union machine politics
• Black Student Success: Increasing Black male educators and creating culturally responsive support
• The role of a board member: Oversight vs. day-to-day operations and bridging community partnerships

Tune in for a candid discussion on what’s at stake for District 6B students and families

---
📍 Episode Chapters / Key Moments:
00:00 - Introduction to Season 1 & District 6B
01:09 - Who Sent Rev. Michael Neal?
03:50 - Ground-Level Experience: Kenwood LSC & Literacy Programs
08:29 - What Does a Chicago School Board Member Actually Do?
10:22 - Black Student Success & Male Educator Representation
12:11 - School Closure Moratorium & Repurposing Empty CPS Buildings
17:37 - Campaign Funding, INCS, Common Ground Collective & CTU
24:40 - Closing Thoughts: Serving Beyond the Election

---
🔗 Important Links & Resources:
• Find your Chicago School Board District
• Chicago Early Voting & Polling Places:
• Subscribe & Share "Who Sent You?" Podcast

Brittany Kimble is a mother, defense attorney, and compassionate advocate.

As the moratorium on school closures for Chicago Public Schools school comes to an end, there's a movement to extend the moratorium.

Brittany does not support school closures simply because a plan to maintain student success is rarely in place, which negatively impacts the students.

Learn more about her candidacy on Episode 10.

PS. Early voting in all 50 wards in Chicago is now up and running.

Find out a nearby polling place here.

I spoke with Victor P. Henderson, the self-proclaimed independent candidate in the race for CPS Board President.

Lawyer, CPA, and former CPS parent, he is running to speak up for children, families, and taxpayers.

Learn more about him at victorforthefuture.org

Check out the UChicago and Johns Hopkins report on impact of mass CPS school closures here.

Election Day is November 3, 2026 and Early voting at two downtown locations started October 1

Early voting in all 50 wards opens on Oct. 19.

Learn more here.