In today’s Leading News, read news coverage of budget and staffing decisions by school districts. Also in the news, one cyberattack impacted students where it mattered most to them.
After divisive debate, Chicago school board passed $9.96 billion budget banking on uncertain state funding
Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, July 30
Roxana teachers picket as contract talks continue before school starts
Scott Cousins, Alton Telegraph, July 30
Waukegan D60 laying off 23 employees in cost-cutting move: ‘We will not be able to pay our bills’
Steve Sadin, Lake County News-Sun, July 29
Kankakee School Board hears staffing update
Stephanie Markham, Kankakee Daily Journal, July 30
Cyberattack delays ETHS student parking lottery
Margo Milanowski, Evanston Roundtable, July 21
In today’s Leading News, back-to-school community events are underway up and down the state. Also in the news, read more coverage of the ISBE’s issuance of AI guidance.
State Board of Education issues AI guidance, written with help from AI
Peter Hancock, CNI/State Journal-Register, Springfield, July 24
Back-to-school drive in Vermilion County
Christy Jankowski, Danville Commercial News, July 28
Illinois back-to-school tax holiday begins Aug. 7; here’s what shoppers can save on
John Clark, WTVO, Rockford, July 27
Hundreds of families attend POP Back 2 School Celebration in Peoria
Jack Bozikis, WMBD, Peoria, July 25
Parents reminded to schedule back-to-school physicals, dental exams
Metropolis Planet, July 23
In today’s Leading News, Governor Pritzker has signed into law the bill requiring policies banning cellphone use during school time, for the 2027-2028 school year. Also in the news, it’s that time of year as communities plan back-to-school events.
Pritzker signs school cellphone ban to avoid student distractions: New law restricts use of all electronic communication devices, with some exceptions
Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois, July 28
Back to School Bash to bring games, animals and free haircuts
Janis Reeser, Springfield State Journal-Register, July 27
Rock Island-Milan back-to-school event draws families to Schwiebert Park
KWQC, Quad Cities, July 27
Help Fair “one place to go” for back-to-school preparations
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, July 24
Back-To-School Brings District Pressures for Rural IL
Judith Ruiz-Branch, KRCU Public Radio, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, July 27
In today’s Leading News, read coverage of issues of educational equity at the local, state, and national levels.
Education Department rescinds disparate impact rule, a key tool used to assess school discrimination
Annie Ma, Associated Press, July 23
Education Department rescinds disparate impact regulations
Anna Merod, K-12 Dive, July 24
New bill aims to give IL teachers, school staff more training on service animals
Tyler Hill, WCIA, Champaign, July 25
OPRF boosts tutoring resources, responding to equity concerns
Bob Skolnik, Riverside-Brookfield Landmark, July 23
Fight over trans-inclusive student policies has moved to courts: ‘The feds are coming’
Joseph States, Lake County News-Sun, July 27
In today’s Leading News, crisscrossing the state with public education news of interest.
No phones during school hours for Carmi students
Robert Beskow, Hometown Register, July 22
Metro-east school leaders say inflation, grant cuts are to blame for tax bills
Katie Grawitch, Belleville News-Democrat, July 24
PBL school district's new mission statement approved by board
Will Brumleve, Ford County Chronicle, July 23
Macomb school board deciding whether to ground Flight Path magazine
Rich Egger, Tri States Public Radio, July 22
District 214 board pushes to trim renovation referendum ask below $300 million
Christopher Placek, Daily Herald, July 24
Residents discuss data center strategies at Jo Daviess meeting
Nida Tazeen, Freeport Journal Standard, July 27
In today’s Leading News, a look at how Chicago Public Schools addresses rising needs for special education programs. ICE detains a CPS custodian. Updates on a joint lawsuit filed by Fremont School District 79 and Mundelein High School District 120. Quincy Public Schools declines recommendation to shorten public comment period. Also in the news, $53 million in facility upgrades for Township High School District 219 is complete.
Sarah Karp, Chicago Sun Times and WBEZ, July 18
Kate Perez and Laura Rodríguez, Chicago Tribune, July 21
Joseph States, Pioneer Press and Chicago Tribune, July 17
School committee opts against recommendation shortening public comment
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, July 20
Niles West, Central get upgrades in Township High School District 219’s $53 million campus upgrades
Claire Murphy, Pioneer Press and Chicago Tribune, July 21
In today’s Leading News, a lot of campaign fundraising happening for the upcoming Chicago School Board elections. CPS says budget needs to be approved to cut September paychecks. An ethics complaint was filed against an Illinois school district regarding public resources used to conduct referendum polling. Also in the news, more districts sign on to support Adams County school facilities sales tax.
Chicago school board race tops $1.9 million in fundraising
Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, July 16
Mila Koumpilova and Sarah Karp, Chicago Sun-Times, Chalkbeat and WBEZ, July 17
Chicago Public Schools leaders say board must pass budget to make September payroll
Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, July 20
District 214 faces ethics complaint for referendum-related polling
Chritopher Placek, Daily Herald, July 20
County schools support sales tax question on November ballot
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, July 20
In today’s Leading News, studies show that warehouses are being built closer to schools. An Illinois high school received a security upgrade thanks to a large team of volunteers. Budget considerations on the Quad-Cities board agenda. McLean County Unit 5 funds projects thanks to county facility sales tax revenue. Also in the news, learn a bit about the last one-room schoolhouse to operate in Illinois.
Studies raise alarms as more warehouses are built near homes and schools in Illinois
Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, July 20
Streamwood High School receives security tech upgrade donated by Hoffman Estates company
Eric Peterson, Daily Herald, July 17
Quad-Cities school board preview: Budget and operation costs on this week's agendas
Cesar Toscano, The Dispatch-Argus, Quad-Cities, July 19
Unit 5 funds 138 capital projects over the summer with sales tax
Drew Zimmerman, The Pantagraph, Bloomington-Normal, July 17
The last one-room schoolhouse to operate in Illinois finds a new purpose after $1.6M restoration
Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, July 20
In today’s Leading News, teacher and support staff layoffs are part of Chicago Public Schools plan to close their budget deficit. Cook County is considering no-interest loan for late property tax funds owed to CPS. Also in the news, kindergarten bootcamp for young learners.
Chicago Public Schools plans to lay off 760 teachers as officials look to close massive deficit
Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, July 15
CPS will lay off 760 teachers, cut 5 student nonattendance days in bid to close budget deficit
Sarah Karp and Emmanuel Camarillo, Chicago Sun-Times/WBEZ, July 15
Chicago Public Schools lays off 162 central office, citywide staff
Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, July 13
Cook County will ‘explore’ making Chicago Public Schools eligible for late property tax loan
A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, July 15
Kindergarten boot camp gives the youngest students an early preview of 'big school'
Valerie Wells, Herald & Review, Decatur, July 16
In today’s Leading News, Bloomington SD 87’s RISE program helps prepare young adults with special needs learn independent living skills, Macon-Piatt Special Education District’s tentative budget is approved, and a Mayor for a Day program in Hinsdale fosters a good relationship between the schools and village. In other news, ISBE releases guidelines for AI use in schools.
District 87 making more room for students to RISE, find independence
D. Jack Alkire, The Pantagraph, July 13, 2026
Macon-Piatt Special Education District presents tentative budget
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, July 15
Hinsdale’s new Mayor for a Day program fosters relationships between village, schools
Chuck Fieldman, Pioneer Press, July 14
Illinois board of education releases guidelines for artificial intelligence use in schools
Herald-Whig, Quincy, July 11, 2026
In today’s Leading News, schools focus on a new statewide numeracy plan, a student-run effort in Oak Park-River Forest HSD 200 focuses on food insecurity, how a student at Hersey High School in THSD 214 brought a nationally-known band to the school, and Chicago names members of the Black Student Achievement Committee. In other news, Governor Pritzker signs new laws including AI regulation.
New plan addresses statewide math challenges
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, July 2
Oak Park and River Forest students seek $160K for food insecurity initiative
Cam'ron Hardy, Pioneer Press, July 6
How a Hersey High School senior brought the band Rush to class in 1977
Christopher Placek, The Daily Herald, July 12, 2026
Chicago school board names members of Black Student Achievement Committee
Mila Koumpilova, Chalkbeat Chicago, July 8
Pritzker signs new laws on birth control, AI regulations, play-based learning
Ben Szalinski, Champaign News-Gazette, July 14
In today’s Leading News, Oswego CUSD 308 purchases new Chromebooks, THSD 214 is debating asking for $300 million for renovations, landmark AI regulation bill is signed, and Freeport SD SD 145 cuts a bus route. In other news, the school cellphone ban is designed to help students focus.
Oswego District 308 purchases 1,400 new Chromebooks for coming school year
Eric Schelkopf, Shaw Local/Kendall County Now, June 28
District 214 could ask voters to approve $300 million for school renovations
Christopher Placek, Daily Herald, June 30
Pritzker signs landmark AI regulation bill
Maggie Dougherty, CNI/Daily Herald, July 5
Freeport School District cuts bus route for 62 students amid budget deficit
Samantha Soto, WREX, Rockford, July 7
School cellphone ban is designed to help students focus
Jon Noll, NPR Illinois, July 7
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
Leading News
IASB's News Clip Service
The links to articles posted here are selected daily from news sources across Illinois, and sometimes beyond, provided as a service to our membership. These links go directly to the original source (print, broadcast, or online media) of the article. The purpose of sharing these links is to give readers of this site a wider perspective on state and local issues impacting public education. IASB neither endorses nor verifies the content.