In the News: DU Alum Takes Seat on Chicago School Board

Photo by Chicago Sun-Times.

Carlos Rivas, Jr. MAT ’17 was highlighted this month by WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times as a newly elected member of the Chicago Board of Education.

The Jan. 15 feature is among a series of interviews with 10 board members who were elected in November. The new members officially took office on Jan. 15, joining 11 mayoral appointees.

This election was noteworthy as it was the first one giving voters a say in who should serve on the school board.  By 2027, the board will consist entirely of elected members, according to a state law.

Rivas, of Humboldt Park, represents Chicago’s third district on the near northwest side, which includes Humboldt Park. He the director of public affairs for the Civilian Office of Police Accountability in Chicago.

Rivas is a former teacher, counselor and external affairs manager for the Noble Network of Charter Schools in Chicago, and former director of youth programs at Block Club Federation, a youth development nonprofit organization.

“I want to ensure that every kid has that educator in front of them who loves and cares about them and wants them to succeed,” Rivas said following his election to the Chicago Board of Education.

Read more about Rivas here.