For three decades, Chicago voters have not had a direct say in who represents them on the city’s Board of Education. And many may not have much of a choice again this fall, despite an otherwise historic election in which all 21 school board seats are on the ballot in November’s general election.

The threats to the CEO’s job drew pushback from elected officials at every level from Chicago City Council to the U.S. Congress, pushback from incoming board members and scores of principals, and legal action by Martinez’s lawyer.

Aldermen and activists are stepping up the fight for an elected school board. Paris Schutz has the story.