In today’s Leading News, Waukegan CUSD 60 swears in student board members, legislators kick off school supply drive in Quincy, a school resource officer is approved in Bethalto CUSD 8, and Macomb CUSD 185 raises pay for substitutes. In other news, a breakdown by grade of required vaccines for the upcoming school year.

Waukegan school board swears in 2 new student members: ‘I want to help make a difference’
Steve Sadin, Lake County News-Sun, July 7

Local legislators kick off school supply drive for upcoming school year
Herald-Whig, Quincy, July 8

Bethalto School Board approves police officer for school resource role
Scott Cousins, Alton Telegraph, June 28

Macomb schools to hike pay for substitutes
Rich Egger, Tri States Public Radio, July 6

Which vaccines do Illinois students need? A breakdown by grade
Hannah Hudnall, Peoria Journal Star, July 7

In today’s Leading News, students stay engaged over the summer, even after the storms.

Students learn cooking basics at Kitchen Kamp
Herald-Whig, Quincy, July 7

How Pontiac students are turning class projects into real-world change 
Bloomington Pantagraph, July 6

Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills school program aims to prevent ‘summer slide’ 
Chuck Fieldman, Pioneer Press, July 6

Residents of tornado-damaged Charleston determined to have it bounce back stronger
Jennifer Bailey, Champaign News-Gazette, June 27

Naperville Central students’ ‘Plant Pal’ advances to national pitch contest
Carolyn Stein, Naperville Sun, July 2

In today’s Leading News, school districts enter discussions on financing facilities and programs.

Cannabis tax funds to enhance security measures at Will County schools
Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, July 5

Romeoville business owner continues to invest in Valley View District 365 STEM programs
Denise M. Baran-Unland, Shaw Local/Joliet Herald-News, July 4

With judge’s ruling, East St. Louis schools lose federal grant funding
Hiba Ahmad St. Louis Public Radio/Belleville News-Democrat, June 30

Major renovation of high school eyed
Will Brumleve, Ford County Chronicle, July 1

Peoria Public Schools board postpones vote on sales tax increase
JJ Bullock, Peoria Journal Star, July 1

In today’s Leading News, Plainfield CCSD 202 and Belleville THSD 201 hear community concerns. Oakwood CUSD 76 and Winchester CUSD 1 consider athletic facilities upgrades. Also in the news, pending an agreement with Ball-Chatham CUSD 5, Springfield SD 186 will proceed with elementary school plans.

Plainfield School District 202 says survey shows it has strong trust factor with families
Eric Schelkopf, Shaw Local/Joliet Herald-News, July 6

After family push, Belleville 201 standardizes tributes for deceased graduates
Madison Lammert, Belleville News-Democrat, June 30

Oakwood school board approves bond sale for athletic facility
Jennifer Bailey, Champaign News-Gazette, July 1

Winchester voters to decide $8.5 million bond for new elementary school gym
Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree, Jacksonville Journal-Courier, July 6

Springfield school board clears path to consolidate three schools
Steven Spearie, State Journal-Register, Springfield, June 7

In today’s Leading News, read coverage of Illinois education communities and AI, early childhood, and gender identity and athletic participation. Also in the news, two central Illinois school districts find alternate locations for schools damaged by violent weather. 

Illinois schools grapple with AI cyberbullying, deepfakes as new law takes effect
Naomi Taxay, Medill Illinois News Bureau, CNI/Shaw Local Media, July 5

Can Illinois’ newest state agency improve early childhood services? Officials hope so.
Emmanuel Camarillo, Chicago Sun-Times, July 1

Illinois affirms trans girls can play on girls’ sports teams, as Supreme Court upholds state bans
Kalyn Belsha, Mary Norkol, and Kaitlin Washburn, Chicago Sun-Times, July 1

EIU to provide space for Charleston Unit School District 1 middle school students
WAND, Decatur, July 1

Meridian elementary classes to be held in Stonington
Scott Perry, Decatur Herald and Review, June 30

In today’s Leading News, the Cahokia Unit SD 187 teachers' union has voted against an agreement its bargaining team made with the district in June. The loss of grant funds threatens programs in East St. Louis SD 189 and Urbana SD 116. Also in the news, Bunker Hill CUSD 8 and Bremen CHSD 228 offer new ways for students to plan for the future. 

Cahokia school district union rejects proposed contract
Will Bauer St. Louis Public Radio, Belleville News-Democrat, July 1

East St. Louis schools could lose food pantry, programs while grant is in limbo
Hiba Ahmad St. Louis Public Radio/Belleville News-Democrat, June 25

Funding uncertainty threatens Urbana Farm to School program
Jordan Baker, WCIA, Champaign, June 25

Power of 15 Expands Post-Secondary Options for Bunker Hill Students
Laura Inlow, EdGlen Today, June 17

District 228 Students Gain Real-World Skills Through Hands-On Pizza-Making Experience
Oak Forest Patch, June 30

In today’s Leading News, read updates on school facilities projects from across the state. 

Highland School Board reviews potential districtwide projects
Brittany Blackwell, Times Tribune, Madison County, June 27

Board OKs budget and talk summer updates
Rachel LeBeane, Taylorville Breeze-Courier, June 29

Oak Park and River Forest District 200 moves forward with Act 3 project
Cam'ron Hardy, Pioneer Press, June 29

Costs rising tied to Quincy High School electrical upgrades
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, June 23

Oakwood school district looking to join others in revamping athletic facilities
Jennifer Bailey and Joey Wright, Champaign News-Gazette, June 25