The Chicago Board of Education is set to appoint a new board member the same day as a scheduled vote on a budget for Chicago Public Schools’ upcoming fiscal year, capping months of debate over how to close a looming deficit while navigating lingering political tensions.

The scheduled “oath of office,” according to an agenda posted two days prior, marks another shift in leadership for a body still grappling with the fallout from a mass resignation last fall. The board’s 21st seat, which was vacated by Frank Niles Thomas, will be filled by Mayor Brandon Johnson.

At the center of the board meeting is a deficit that district officials say stretches into the hundreds of millions, which has led to intense debate between board members in recent weeks. Much of the tension can be traced back to

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