Millions in donations are being poured into Chicago's first-ever school board race by pro-school choice groups, according to a report.

The Chicago Sun Times reported that two groups advocating for school choice and charter schools have raised a combined total of over $3 million in donations ahead of the city's first-ever school board election in November. This comes after a 2021 law mandated an elected school board for Chicago.

The UCA and INCS independent expenditure committees have raised a combined total of $3.6 million from business leaders and billionaires, and have been critical of the Chicago Teachers Union in the past.

Independent expenditure committees, set up by the UCA and INCS, can accept cash donations like PACs, according to the Sun Times. These committees are not allowed to coordinate with candidates directly, but they can accept an unlimited amount of money and indirectly support candidates' campaigns by sending fliers and running advertisements.

The two groups running independent expenditure committees also have traditional political action committees (PACs), which are restricted in the amount of donations they can receive. Unlike independent expenditure committees, PACs can be used to donate directly to candidates.

Juan Rangel, the founder of UCA, stated that they will support independent thinkers and ensure a balanced debate, as he was previously the President of UNO Charter School Network Inc.

The Sun Times reports that the groups have not yet disclosed any spending on the school board, but their funds are expected to be the largest influx of money supporting or opposing candidates.

The UCA received $671,000 in donations in less than two months, and INCS currently has $3 million. INCS reported a $100K donation from Reed Hastings.

The outlet reported that the amount of cash raised by the candidate exceeded the total amount of cash brought into the campaigns of all 32 candidates combined by more than six times and was 20 times more than the teachers union's political action committees reported holding at the end of June.

Andrew Broy, INCS President, plans to participate in many school board races and invest in state house elections.

We will allocate significant funds to individuals who prioritize student impact, comprehend our policy objectives, are cooperative and amenable to collaborate with 20 other board members, as stated by Broy in the Sun Times.

Ten candidates filed to run for open seats on the Chicago Board of Education, which has 21 members. The mayor will appoint the remaining seats.

After a 2021 law mandated an elected school board for Chicago, the first ever school board races will take place. The law stipulates that 10 of the 21 board members will be elected while 11, including the president, are appointed by Mayor Johnson.

In 2026, voters will have the opportunity to elect Chicago's first fully elected school board members, who will serve a four-year term.

In June, the union endorsed 10 candidates for the elected school board, which the CTU has been advocating for.

The Illinois Policy Institute monitors state policy decisions.

The political power of CTU is at stake in these races, according to Austin Berg, VP of marketing at the IPI, as he shared with Planet Chronicle Digital.

The CTU's efforts could either result in them gaining full control of the school district through electing their political allies alongside Brandon Johnson or they could face a greater threat to implementing their radical policies. Other political interests could also join this fight to disrupt the CTU and Johnson.

The Chicago school board had previously supported removing police from schools and shifted away from a model that emphasizes school choice to one that elevates neighborhood schools to ensure every student has access to a high-quality educational experience.

The CTU did not immediately respond to a request for comment.