Chicago Board recognizes Multilingual Parent Council for decades of bilingual advocacy

The Chicago Board of Education on June 25 formally recognized the Chicago Multilingual Parent Council, praising its role advising the district on bilingual and multilingual education and helping families navigate programs for English learners.

"The CMPC transforms parents from passive observers into active, powerful advocates and leaders," said Dr. Kareem Assaf as he introduced the group. CMPC leadership described a decades‑long history of parent advocacy and said the council brings parent voices to policy development and program evaluation across the district.

"Since its establishment in 1973, the CMPC has played a fundamental role in representing, engaging and advocating for the families of multilingual students within Chicago public schools," Carmina Perez Tino, CMPC president, said during remarks to the board. Perez Tino noted that 388 schools have bilingual advisory committees and described training, workshops and outreach the council conducts to help families access services.

Members of the council also urged attention to multilingual students with disabilities. "The data shows that we serve and advocate for a total of 41,766 English learner students with IEP and long‑term English learners, representing 54.9% of the total," said Esmerald de Gutierrez, noting the council’s role in bilingual special education information and outreach.

Superintendent Dr. Meline King thanked the council for its partnership and highlighted the district’s commitment to multilingual supports as part of broader aims to advance equity and access.

The recognition was part of a longer board meeting that included public participation and a budget briefing; CMPC members said they will continue to press the district for strong implementation of bilingual and special‑education supports.