Elected Officials Visit CICS Campuses

This winter, Chicago International Charter School (CICS) hosted State Representatives Jaime M. Andrade, Jr. (40th District), Will Guzzardi (39th District), and Michael Kelly (15th District), and Chicago Board of Education Member Jennifer Custer (District 1B) at CICS Irving Park, CICS Bucktown, and CICS Northtown Academy, respectively.   

As officials toured classrooms, they witnessed dedicated teachers fostering engaged students. From hands-on projects to dynamic discussions, they saw firsthand the impact of CICS' academic approach. State Representative Jaime M. Andrade, Jr. was especially moved during his visit to CICS Irving Park, where he connected with students and Principal JW Kuebler. Inspired by the school's vibrant community, Andrade attended the winter concert and generously pledged to match the funds raised at the “Portillo’s Dine and Donate” fundraiser.

Beyond CICS Irving Park, visitors to CICS Northtown Academy, Chicago School Board Member Jennifer Custer, and State Representative Michael Kelly, were equally inspired by the talent and dedication of CICS students and staff. During their visit, they toured the school and met with several student leaders and staff members, including Principal Katherine Kreiling, & seniors Mahirah Alam, Violet Araujo, and Neyda Estefania. Reflecting on their experiences at CICS Northtown, the students shared heartfelt insights that captured the essence of their school community.

“I had reservations when I first came to Northtown,” shared Mahirah Alam, Class of 2025. “I had never heard of charter schools, let alone NTA. But when I looked beyond the unfamiliar, I realized I was captivated by NTA’s incredible diversity and unique characteristics.”

Also among the visiting group were Dr. Joanne Tanner, CEO of Meridian Charter Schools, and Beth Purvis, CEO of CICS. “Visitors at CICS Northtown were impressed by our students' leadership abilities, as well as their involvement in extracurricular programs such as Cubs Scholars and the Fire Department Academy,” stated Dr. Tanner. “The elected officials were also struck by the vast programming at CICS Northtown, where there is truly something for everyone.” 

Jennifer Custer echoed the importance of school choice, sharing her personal connection to the topic and expressing gratitude that Chicago parents have diverse educational options for their children.

Reflecting on the visits, Beth Purvis emphasized the importance of these connections: “It’s inspiring to see our students and educators recognized by elected officials who work every day on behalf of their constituents.”

These visits reaffirm the vital role that school choice plays in fostering high-quality education across our campuses. By welcoming elected officials, CICS strengthens relationships that impact students and schools.

CICS partners with Meridian Charter Schools and Distinctive Schools to operate 10 of our 13 tuition-free public charter schools, serving students across Chicago’s Irving Park and North Park neighborhoods. Learn more at www.ChicagoIntl.org.