Chicagoans will soon have their say for who they want to be their next mayor.

Though two months away, candidates have already begun their campaigns for the election which will take place on Feb 24. Challenging incumbent mayor Rahm Emanuel will be Frederick Collins, Fenton C. Patterson, Willie Wilson, Robert W. “Bob” Fioretti, Robert Shaw, Amara Enyia, Gerald Sconyers, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia and William “Dock” Walls, III.

Among the issues at the forefront of policy debates is education. Candidates such as Fioretti and Collins both want to create an elected school board. Others are calling for the end of closing CPS schools in favor of charter schools. Some candidates have gotten the support from the Chicago Teacher’s Union and their president Karen Lewis.

Other education plans include work with City Colleges of Chicago, which Collins and Emanuel have proposed. Although Emanuel has received backlash for closing dozens of CPS schools, he has recently launched a new campaign ad regarding his work with City Colleges of Chicago and a new initiative he helped launch that will connect students with teachers who are in the field they are interested in, as well as future employers.

Candidates officially filed to run for election in late-November and had to collect petitions with at least 12,000 signatures. In order to win, candidates must receive 50 percent of the vote plus one vote. A run-off election will occur in April if no one receives a majority.

Candidates voice their views on education

“To reverse the ill effects of Rahm Emanuel’s failed educational policies, and eradicate the obsolete “one size fits all” educational concept.” —William “Dock” Walls III

“Support levels for neighborhood schools should be more equitable, so there aren’t poor schools and others that have all the funding they need to be outstanding” –Jesus “Chuy” Garcia

“Children are our future. By investing in public education, we enhance the success and prosperity of our children’s future.” –Frederick Collins

“We need to stop making teachers the enemies and instead give them the tools to be great leaders in the classroom.” –Bob Fioretti

“We should strive and embrace the opportunity to build the best educational system possible, because when we win our children win.” –Gerald Sconyers

“The current state of public education in Chicago is unacceptable. We have a school system that is attacked instead of developed and enriched.” –Amara Enyia

“Every child in Chicago, no matter their circumstances or where they live, deserves a world-class education from cradle to career.” —Rahm Emanuel