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Millennium City: Richard M. Daley & Global Chicago

Schools

Daley took control of the Chicago Public Schools in 1995. Prior to that year, Chicago mayors had only limited say in how the city ran its schools. In 1995, however, the Illinois General Assembly granted Daley the authority to appoint the Chicago Public Schools board, effectively making him responsible for the schools’ performance.

Forrest Claypool, the mayor’s chief of staff (1989-1991 and 1998-1999), explains that one reason Daley took on school reform was to make the city more attractive to middle-class residents:

Two former CEO's of Chicago Public Schools, Paul Vallas (1995-2001) and Arne Duncan (2001-2008), remember their stints working for Mayor Daley:

Mellody Hobson, president of Ariel Investments in Chicago, reflects on Daley’s efforts to reform the schools:

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Mayor Daley's "Chicago Goes Back to School" letter
Mayor Daley at a Noble School
Mellody Hobson discusses Mayor Richard M. Daley's takeover of the Chicago Public Schools and his support for charter schools.
Arne Duncan discusses behind school closures and children to other schools.
Paul Vallas discusses his tenure as CEO of Chicago Public Schools.
Forrest Claypool discusses Mayor Richard M. Daley's decision to take responsibility for the Chicago Public Schools.