Ellen (Behrstock) Sherratt, Ph.D., is a childhood friend who has the guts to run for Chicago Public Schools school board. In this era of educational extremes ranging from Alpha School to traditional public school education, the political pressure coupled with systemic challenges of districts like CPS seem almost insurmountable. For someone to turn her talents to this school board is both charitable and courageous. We wanted to spotlight this great Jewish leader for her brave race! Read our exclusive Q&A about why Ellen is running below.
Q&A:
A) Why are you willing to run for CPS School Board?
E) With all the challenges the world faces, there is nothing more important than educating our city and our country’s children to be critically-thinking, empathetic, employable and engaged humans. As detailed on my campaign website, my 25 year career in public education policy, research, and advocacy has focused on recruiting and retaining excellent teachers for every child. It would be an honor to lend my expertise to serve the community as a member of Chicago’s first fully-elected Board of Education. I think we have a unique opportunity as Chicago approaches our 200th Birthday in 2037 to consider a bold educational goal that will bring people together across the city in positive, hopeful dialogue. I will spearhead this 10-year plan to truly propel our public schools.
A) What makes you a uniquely qualified candidate?
E) With 21 members, Chicago will soon have the country’s largest Board of Education; each member should bring a unique lens (e.g., operations, legal, finance, etc.). Currently, no Board member brings policy expertise. I spent my career bringing research to policy leaders across the country and connecting state leaders and school districts to learn from one another. I have a PhD in the Economics of Education and have spent my career working on public education policy. In 2023, I led the introduction of the American Teacher Act to the U.S. Congress, to raise teacher salaries nationwide to a minimum of $60,000. I have coached Illinois State Board of Education leaders on cost-effective decision-making and have advocated for investing in the education profession in Springfield, IL and Washington, DC. This will come in handy as the Board pushes for the full-funding of the state’s evidence-based education funding formula and in closing the budget deficit.
A) Why is antisemitism relevant to public school districts today like CPS?
E) Hatred and violence of any kind is unacceptable, and antisemitism is especially concerning given how much it has risen in recent years. In Chicago, the Jewish population represents 3% of residents but was the target of 37% of hate crimes last year. Sadly, in Chicago there are recent examples of antisemitic incidents in schools and on the Board of Education itself. Hatred and bigotry of any type is entirely unacceptable. It is important to elect people who will oppose all forms of bigotry. I believe hate in all its forms is best countered through education, including history, critical thinking, media literacy, and teaching empathy and tolerance.
A) What are the impediments to your race?
E) I have already overcome my first hurdle by officially getting my name on the ballot, which was a huge accomplishment, involving about 100 hours collecting 1500 signatures. According to the Chicago Tribune’s Editorial Board, “The 2026 school board races will rival the mayoral election in 2027 in importance to the future of Chicago.” And it is expected that the intensity and campaign costs will reflect this. But I have an excellent team in place and (hopefully) will manage to not take any attacks personally. There is a projected $250,000 price tag to get my message out to voters through mailers, digital ads, yard signs, and direct voter outreach.
A) How can we help?
E) There are several opportunities to support the campaign. The most impactful way is via a financial contribution. I have raised over $50,000 already and hope to raise another $15,000 by the upcoming June 30th filing deadline to stay on pace toward my $250,000 goal (each individual is able to contribute up to $7,300, but every contribution, no matter the size, goes a long way toward helping us build a strong foundation for this campaign). I also am seeking volunteers to help with door-knocking, phone-banking, and hosting meet & greets to help me get my message out to voters. If you have any questions for me, please reach out to electellensherratt@gmail.com. Thanks in advance for your support!
