Going from an appointed to elected board is uncommon, leaving Chicago without a clear roadmap. Lawmakers must tackle the politically charged mapmaking process for the elected districts, while government watchdogs seek campaign finance limits. And some want legislation allowing immigrants without legal permission to live in the county to vote for school leaders. Chicago’s Board of Education — which passes an $8 billion budget, confirms a CEO and approves contracts and policies — was created by the Legislature in 1872. After many versions, a seven-member board was instituted in 1999. The fight for an elected board began shortly after, as parents and activists felt their concerns weren’t heard.