Why Anusha Thotakura Deserves Your Vote for the Chicago Board of Education

When it comes to the future of our children, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students and families need a leader who not only understands the classroom but has a proven record of delivering real results. Anusha Thotakura, a former middle school math teacher and current Chicago Board of Education member for District 6A, is exactly that leader. She is running for re-election to continue the transformative work she has already started, and her campaign presents a compelling vision for a stronger, healthier, and more equitable school system.

Here is why Anusha Thotakura deserves your support and your vote:

A Proven Track Record of Delivering Results Unlike candidates who only offer empty promises, Anusha brings a concrete record of accomplishments to the table. Recognizing that children cannot learn in toxic environments, she created the Healthy Green Schools Fund to eradicate mold, lead pipes, and asbestos from schools across the district. Furthermore, she championed the unanimously passed Healthy Green Schools Resolution. This landmark initiative brought solar panels, heat pumps, and geothermal systems to CPS facilities. Not only does this make schools safer and more sustainable, but it also exemplifies responsible spending; the millions saved in utility costs and rebates are reinvested directly into classrooms where they belong.

Investing in Early Childhood Education From her time as a classroom teacher, Anusha knows firsthand that it is much harder to close an achievement gap than it is to prevent one. Too many children start kindergarten already behind, struggling for years to catch up. Anusha is a fierce advocate for expanding access to high-quality Pre-K programs across District 6A. By investing in early childhood education from Humboldt Park to Streeterville, she aims to ensure every child is given a strong foundation, fundamentally changing the trajectory of their academic lives before they even walk into a kindergarten classroom.

Prioritizing Mental Health and Wellness Today’s students are carrying immense burdens, from trauma in their communities to heightened stress at home. Anusha understands that a child who is struggling emotionally simply cannot focus or thrive academically. She is fighting to guarantee that every single CPS school has a full-time counselor and social worker. By ending the practice of stretching mental health professionals thin across multiple buildings, she is ensuring that students receive the present, dedicated support they need to succeed in and out of the classroom.

Building Real Career Pathways Anusha believes that every student should be able to look at their school building and see their future. She has seamlessly blended her green initiatives with Career and Technical Education (CTE). Under her leadership, CPS is embedding job training directly into the district's clean energy projects. This provides high school students with invaluable, hands-on experience in solar installation, construction, and clean energy fields. She is ensuring that as good jobs are created in Chicago, CPS students are first in line to secure them with real skills.

Broad Community and Progressive Support Anusha’s impactful work has earned her endorsements from prominent progressive leaders, including Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, and numerous Illinois State Senators and Representatives.

Anusha Thotakura came to the Board of Education with a plan, and she delivered. By supporting her campaign, you are voting for cleaner buildings, smarter spending, holistic student care, and real career opportunities. Join her in fighting for the schools that Chicago's kids truly deserve.

Learn more at www.anushaforcps.com