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 to Thursday afternoon’s board meeting, marks another shift in leadership for a body still grappling with the fallout from a mass resignation last fall.

The board’s 21st seat — vacated by Frank Niles Thomas — will be filled by Ángel Vélez, a diversity, equity and inclusion consultant from West Englewood, according to a spokesperson for Mayor Brandon Johnson, who confirmed the appointment to the Tribune Wednesday.

At the center of the board meet

See Full Page