Frequently Asked Questions

WHO WE ARE

What is Unite For Our Schools — Albany Park?

Unite for Our Schools — Albany Park (UFOSAP) is a voluntary, community-driven nonprofit association and coalition dedicated to advocating for strong, fully resourced neighborhood schools in and around Albany Park, from pre-K through high school. We are a coalition of parents, guardians, educators, community members, and other allies who believe that every child in Albany Park deserves a great school in their neighborhood.

Why and when was UFOSAP created?

UFOSAP was formed in February 2026 in response to a resource allocation decision by CPS that harmed an Albany Park neighborhood school. Recognizing the historic disinvestment in Albany Park public schools, founding UFOSAP members realized that the disregard for genuine community input were not limited to one action or school. They conceived of the organization as a way to coalesce broad-based community support into the action that our wonderful and diverse neighborhood schools need and deserve.

Are you affiliated with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) or city government?

No. We are an independent, unincorporated community association. We are not part of CPS, the Chicago Board of Education, or any local school council (LSC) or government agency. We advocate before these bodies on behalf of families in and around Albany Park.

Is Unite For Our Schools a political organization?

No. We are a non-partisan civic and educational advocacy organization and do not make financial contributions to candidates. However, we may evaluate, support, or endorse candidates for LSCs or the Chicago Board of Education as part of our advocacy mission. We are guided by our values, not by affiliation with any party or political organization.

WHAT WE STAND FOR

What is your mission?

Our mission is to advocate for strong, fully resourced neighborhood schools at every grade level in and around Albany Park, empowering families to invest in neighborhood schools from pre-K through high school graduation. We support policies that reverse historic disinvestment in our community and align educational resources with real community need.

What are your core values?

We believe that:

• Every family deserves the option to choose a stable, fully-resourced neighborhood school.
• Albany Park’s linguistic and cultural diversity, including multilingual families and English-language learners, must be reflected in and served by our schools.
• Growing neighborhood schools deserve resources, not restrictions. Rising enrollment reflects success, and the needs of growing neighborhood schools should be prioritized.
• Historic disinvestment in Albany Park — as well as structural racism in the allocation of educational opportunities — must be acknowledged, rejected, and reversed.
• Decision-making processes must feature community engagement in a way that’s genuine, transparent, and timely — not performative.
• The unique needs of vulnerable student populations — including those with low family income, recent migrants, and diverse learners — must be acknowledged and served by our schools.
• Everyone benefits — students, families, schools, the environment, and the larger community — when families invest and enroll in neighborhood schools.

Does Unite For Our Schools — Albany Park oppose school choice?

No. UFOSAP recognizes that educational decisions are deeply personal and nuanced for each family. Steering committee members have enrolled their children in all sorts of CPS schools, including neighborhood, lottery, and selective enrollment options. However, as CPS’s 2029 strategic plan acknowledges, decades of disinvestment in neighborhood schools have limited families’ options. UFOSAP works toward a future where all families have access to high-quality neighborhood schools so that school choice is fully voluntary and not a means of escaping inadequately resourced neighborhood schools.

What do you mean by ‘fully resourced neighborhood schools?’

Neighborhood schools that are adequately funded, properly staffed, equipped with functional facilities, and able to offer strong academic programming — including strong bilingual and dual-language education, special education, differentiation, and student supports — stand ready to serve every student in their attendance area. No child should have to travel far or enter a lottery to access a quality education.

Why do you advocate for bilingual and dual-language education?

Albany Park has long been one of Chicago’s most linguistically and culturally diverse communities, home to generations of immigrant families and recent arrivals. Our neighborhood schools must be equipped to serve multilingual students and English-language learners with evidence-based, culturally responsive instruction and high-quality dual-language programming from pre-K through high school.

MEMBERSHIP & PARTICIPATION

Who can join?

Anyone who supports our mission is welcome — parents, guardians, students, educators, residents of Albany Park and surrounding areas, alumni, and other community stakeholders. There is no residency, citizenship, or school affiliation requirement. Membership is free.

How do I become a member?

Simply sign up to be added to our membership list. No approval process is required. As a member, you can participate in general meetings, receive updates and communications, serve on committees and working groups, and submit recommendations to our steering committee.

Is my membership information kept private?

Yes. We maintain a confidential membership list. Your personal information will not be publicly disclosed without your consent. These protections exist to safeguard your right to participate freely in civic life.

Are meetings available in languages other than English?

We are committed to providing meetings and materials in multiple languages, at minimum English and Spanish. We recognize that meaningful participation for multilingual families is not optional — it is central to our mission.

HOW WE WORK

How are decisions made?

UFOSAP is governed by a steering committee of 7 to 15 members who manage our advocacy positions, strategy, and organizational affairs. While the steering committee makes official decisions, all members can participate in meetings, committees, and organizing activities. Member input is actively sought and valued.

What kinds of actions does UFOSAP take?

We advocate before CPS, the Chicago Board of Education, LSCs, and elected officials. We organize public meetings and community forums, conduct media campaigns, submit public comments and petitions, build coalitions, and engage in community outreach. We may also pursue legal or administrative action when needed.

Can I get involved beyond just being a member?

Absolutely. The steering committee may establish subcommittees and working groups on specific issues, and involvement in those groups is open to all members. If you have energy, skills, or expertise to contribute, we want to hear from you.

Want to learn more or get involved?

Join us — your neighborhood schools need your voice.