Three community speakers used the public-comment portion of the Dec. 18 Chicago Board of Education hearing to press the district on student transportation, restorative-justice programming and a school expansion.

Geno Vallejo, a CPS alumnus and parent of students at Whittier Elementary, told the board that "nearly 30% of the students who transfer out of Whittier do so because they lack reliable transportation to and from school," and he urged the district to amend policies to ensure reliable bus options. Vallejo also asked for discreet in-school lice treatment kits and said Whittier is not handicap accessible, calling for an elevator and infrastructure upgrades so students and community members with mobility challenges can participate fully.

Rainia Jackson, an organizer with Good Kids Mad City and a CPS graduate, asked the board to help design and fund a youth-led "peacekeeping pipeline" that trains students in restorative-justice practices and hires them as peer facilitators in their schools. "GKMC would like to bring forward a youth peacekeeping pipeline policy for board consideration, a district framework that centers students as trained leaders in restorative practices across CPS schools," Jackson said, offering written proposals and asking for guidance on next steps.

A representative of North River Elementary, who did not state a name, asked the board to support expanding the school to add a third floor to increase capacity for language learning, special education and early childhood programs. The speaker said the school submitted a formal proposal in September 2025 and acknowledged a Dec. 1 portfolio-management decision and CEO King's recommendation that a planned colocation with Haugen Elementary would not move forward.

Assistant Board Secretary closed public participation after the last registered speaker. Board members and senior leaders were present and the board proceeded to a presentation on the proposed bond authorization.