Charter school proponents and the CTU have staked out their positions.

The upcoming Chicago school board elections will see the Chicago Teachers Union and the charter school community facing off, with both sides investing heavily to shape the future of city schools. The election has become a referendum on Mayor Brandon Johnson and the CTU's vision, which includes borrowing for a new teachers contract, limiting school choice, and moving away from traditional metrics. The charter advocacy group, backed by billionaires like Helen Zell and Reed Hastings, is leading in spending, while the opposition includes a diverse coalition of groups. The debate centers on the balance between supporting neighborhood schools and maintaining options like charters, with concerns about potential school closures and renewals. [Extracted from the article]