Illinois charters school panel gets 9 members

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois State Board of Education has approved nine members of the newly created State Charter School Commission.

The commission will authorize new charter schools throughout Illinois and hear appeals from schools whose applications were denied, among other duties.

The panel was established by legislation passed earlier this year.

The nine members include business leaders, educators and education advocates from across the state.

The board of education has recommended that Greg Richmond chair the commission. He’s the president and CEO of the Chicago-based National Association of Charter School Authorizers.

Board members’ terms will begin Nov. 1 and initially run for 2-,3- or 4-year staggered terms.