When Chicago’s school board began its transition from mayoral-appointed members to an elected body, proponents hoped the move would promote transparency and greater community representation.

But as the partially elected board nears the finish line in its first search for a new Chicago Public Schools leader, it’s coming under fire for a lack of transparency.

The board has not shared the names of its two finalists for the superintendent job, a departure from many other large school districts in recent years. Board members have also signed non-disclosure agreements.

Monica Santana Rosen, CEO of search firm Alma Advisory Group, which the district hired to head the search, says it’s “common practice” in superintendent searches for school boards to sign NDAs. She said boards choose confidenti

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