In today’s Leading News, Lockport THSD 205 implements limits to phone usage, Quincy SD 172 looks at school safety, and Rock Island/Milan SD 41 approves a strategic plan. Also in the news, a gun violence tragedy affects a Berwyn school.
Lockport Township High School implements new program to limit classroom phone usage
Jessie Molloy, Jessie Molloy, Joliet Herald-News, September 15
QPS committee looks at school safety data
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, September 16
Rock-Island-Milan School District approves strategic plan for the next five years
Cesar Toscano, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, September 11
Assistant Principal Killed In Shooting Outside School That Left 3 Dead: Police
Anna Schier, Berwyn Patch Staff, September 17
Classes canceled at Berwyn middle school after 3 dead from ‘domestic-related’ shooting outside the school the day before
Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, September 17
In today’s Leading News, national news leads to local discussions for Illinois school districts.
‘If it’s not us, who is it going to be?’: Chicago students rally against ICE
Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, September 16
Amid dueling petitions, District 214 mulls whether to recognize Kirk as distinguished alumnus
Christopher Placek, Daily Herald, September 16
Illinois youth in custody are earning career certifications, building high-demand skills
Abreanna Blose, State Journal-Register, Springfield, September 4
Local and regional superintendents respond to anti-LGBTQ+ ruling
Chase Martin, Alton Telegraph, September 9
The gender gap in math widened in the pandemic. Schools are trying to make up lost ground.
Annie Ma and Sharon Lurve, Associated Press/Chicago Tribune, September 7
‘If it’s not us, who is it going to be?’: Chicago students rally against ICE
Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, September 16
Amid dueling petitions, District 214 mulls whether to recognize Kirk as distinguished alumnus
Christopher Placek, Daily Herald, September 16
Illinois youth in custody are earning career certifications, building high-demand skills
Abreanna Blose, State Journal-Register, Springfield, September 4
Local and regional superintendents respond to anti-LGBTQ+ ruling
Chase Martin, Alton Telegraph, September 9
The gender gap in math widened in the pandemic. Schools are trying to make up lost ground.
Annie Ma and Sharon Lurve, Associated Press/Chicago Tribune, September 7
In today’s Leading News, current topics in the news include a tentative contract deal, increased security, budget conversations, and AI.
Valley View District 365-U reaches tentative deal with teachers union
Jessie Molloy, Shaw Local/Joliet Herald News, September 12
QHS boosts security checks “for the foreseeable future”
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, September 17
Springfield school board members approve budget with nearly $18M deficit
Steven Spearie, Springfield State Journal-Register, September 16
Lincoln-Way District 210 officials say 2026 budget represents full recovery from financial woes a decade ago
Olivia Stevens, Daily Southtown, September 15
The rise of AI tools forces schools to reconsider what counts as cheating
Jocelyn Glecker, Associated Press, September 12
Valley View District 365-U reaches tentative deal with teachers union
Jessie Molloy, Shaw Local/Joliet Herald News, September 12
QHS boosts security checks “for the foreseeable future”
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, September 17
Springfield school board members approve budget with nearly $18M deficit
Steven Spearie, Springfield State Journal-Register, September 16
Lincoln-Way District 210 officials say 2026 budget represents full recovery from financial woes a decade ago
Olivia Stevens, Daily Southtown, September 15
The rise of AI tools forces schools to reconsider what counts as cheating
Jocelyn Glecker, Associated Press, September 12
In today’s Leading News, read the latest in contract negotiations. A privately-managed, publicly funded charter school in Chicago expects to close. Also in the news, “adopt-a-school” program thrives in Decatur SD 61.
Tinley Park District 146 teachers’ union authorizes strike over contract negotiation impasse
Olivia Stevens, Daily Southtown, September 12
20 days into school year, Cahokia teachers are still without a contract
Madison Lammert, Belleville News-Democrat, September 1
3-year contract for Unit 4 teachers offers raises of about 5 percent each year
Jana Wiersema, Champaign News-Gazette, September 10
South Chicago charter school may abruptly close, stranding 250 students
Sarah Karp, Chicago Sun-Times/WBEZ, September 15
Adopt a School brings Decatur schools, volunteers together
Donnette Beckett, Decatur Herald and Review, September 11
Tinley Park District 146 teachers’ union authorizes strike over contract negotiation impasse
Olivia Stevens, Daily Southtown, September 12
20 days into school year, Cahokia teachers are still without a contract
Madison Lammert, Belleville News-Democrat, September 1
3-year contract for Unit 4 teachers offers raises of about 5 percent each year
Jana Wiersema, Champaign News-Gazette, September 10
South Chicago charter school may abruptly close, stranding 250 students
Sarah Karp, Chicago Sun-Times/WBEZ, September 15
Adopt a School brings Decatur schools, volunteers together
Donnette Beckett, Decatur Herald and Review, September 11
In today’s Leading News, school facilities projects, pans, and updates from across the state.
Lincoln-Irving Elementary students to be temporarily relocated to WIU campus next year
Cesar Toscano, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, September 10
Here’s how DeKalb District 428 readied school buildings for new year
Megann Horstead, DeKalb Daily Chronicle, September 11
Building project bringing brand-new look to BCHS
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, September 5
Champaign to receive first downtown educational greenhouse
Rob Le Cates, Champaign News-Gazette, September 9
Inclusive playgrounds are coming to metro-east schools. How are they different?
Madison Lammert, Belleville News-Democrat, September 9
Lincoln-Irving Elementary students to be temporarily relocated to WIU campus next year
Cesar Toscano, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, September 10
Here’s how DeKalb District 428 readied school buildings for new year
Megann Horstead, DeKalb Daily Chronicle, September 11
Building project bringing brand-new look to BCHS
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, September 5
Champaign to receive first downtown educational greenhouse
Rob Le Cates, Champaign News-Gazette, September 9
Inclusive playgrounds are coming to metro-east schools. How are they different?
Madison Lammert, Belleville News-Democrat, September 9
In today’s Leading News, “complicated times.”
‘We are in complicated times’: District 15 looking at next steps after gun found at Plum Grove Middle School
Steve Zalusky, Daily Herald, September 10
Authorities say a student is dead after shooting 2 peers and then himself at Colorado high school
Colleen Slevin, Matthew Brown, AP/Daily Herald, September 10
CPS says no to virtual learning as ICE immigration enforcement ramps up
Sarah Karp, WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times, September 5
Former Arlington Heights school nurse sentenced for misappropriating students’ medicine
Barbara Vitello, Daily Herald, September 4
Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills schools welcome mental health screening support from state
Chuck Fieldman, Pioneer Press, September 2
‘We are in complicated times’: District 15 looking at next steps after gun found at Plum Grove Middle School
Steve Zalusky, Daily Herald, September 10
Authorities say a student is dead after shooting 2 peers and then himself at Colorado high school
Colleen Slevin, Matthew Brown, AP/Daily Herald, September 10
CPS says no to virtual learning as ICE immigration enforcement ramps up
Sarah Karp, WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times, September 5
Former Arlington Heights school nurse sentenced for misappropriating students’ medicine
Barbara Vitello, Daily Herald, September 4
Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills schools welcome mental health screening support from state
Chuck Fieldman, Pioneer Press, September 2
In today’s Leading News, read more local coverage of school district budgets. Also in the news, a musical delivery to Cairo SUD 1 students.
Orland Park District 135 approves $133 million 2026 budget, discusses hiring 2 more assistant principals
Olivia Stevens, Daily Southtown, September 9
Indian Prairie School District 204 board OKs $455 million budget
Molly Morrow, Aurora Beacon-News, September 10
D202 board approves balanced $118.4 million budget for FY 2026 amid revenue concerns
Siddarth Sivaraman, Daily Northwestern, Evanston, September 9
Morris High board approves $24.4 million budget for fiscal year 2026
Michael Urbanec, Shaw Local/Morris Herald News, September 10
Cairo Schools Hit the Right Note with New Piano Donation
Jasmine Chameis, WSIL, Carbondale, September 10
Orland Park District 135 approves $133 million 2026 budget, discusses hiring 2 more assistant principals
Olivia Stevens, Daily Southtown, September 9
Indian Prairie School District 204 board OKs $455 million budget
Molly Morrow, Aurora Beacon-News, September 10
D202 board approves balanced $118.4 million budget for FY 2026 amid revenue concerns
Siddarth Sivaraman, Daily Northwestern, Evanston, September 9
Morris High board approves $24.4 million budget for fiscal year 2026
Michael Urbanec, Shaw Local/Morris Herald News, September 10
Cairo Schools Hit the Right Note with New Piano Donation
Jasmine Chameis, WSIL, Carbondale, September 10
In today’s Leading News, the nation’s report card does not bring great news. Also in the news, nation-wide student health and safety concerns hit home.
US high school students lose ground in math and reading, continuing yearslong decline
Annie Ma and Todd Feathers, Associated Press, September 9
A new Nation's Report Card shows drops in science, math and reading scores
Sequoia Carrillo, NPR, September 9
‘It’s important to make our community feel safe’: CPS community organizes ahead of potential ICE action
Kate Perez and William Tong, Chicago Tribune, September 6
States move to protect vaccines in the face of attempts to remove mandates
Associated Press/Chicago Tribune, September 7
Boys & Girls Clubs programs are disappearing in central Illinois, but partners aim to help
Tom Ackerman, Springfield State Journal- Register, September 4
US high school students lose ground in math and reading, continuing yearslong decline
Annie Ma and Todd Feathers, Associated Press, September 9
A new Nation's Report Card shows drops in science, math and reading scores
Sequoia Carrillo, NPR, September 9
‘It’s important to make our community feel safe’: CPS community organizes ahead of potential ICE action
Kate Perez and William Tong, Chicago Tribune, September 6
States move to protect vaccines in the face of attempts to remove mandates
Associated Press/Chicago Tribune, September 7
Boys & Girls Clubs programs are disappearing in central Illinois, but partners aim to help
Tom Ackerman, Springfield State Journal- Register, September 4
In today’s Leading News, it’s budget time for school boards.
Coal City Unit 1 School District adopts $51 million budget
Michael Urbanec, Shaw Local/Morris Herald News, September 6
Vacant, unused Central School building ‘costing us money,’ Sycamore school board member says
Camden Lazenby, DeKalb Daily Chronicle, August 30
Board member: School closings, program cuts 'has to be on the table' amid near $18M deficit
Steven Spearie, Springfield State Journal-Register, September 1
Proposed budget for West Aurora School District shows $1.1 million surplus
Linda Girardi, Aurora Beacon-News, September 2
ETHS board approves $118.4 million budget
Margo Milanowski, Evanston Roundtable, September 7
Coal City Unit 1 School District adopts $51 million budget
Michael Urbanec, Shaw Local/Morris Herald News, September 6
Vacant, unused Central School building ‘costing us money,’ Sycamore school board member says
Camden Lazenby, DeKalb Daily Chronicle, August 30
Board member: School closings, program cuts 'has to be on the table' amid near $18M deficit
Steven Spearie, Springfield State Journal-Register, September 1
Proposed budget for West Aurora School District shows $1.1 million surplus
Linda Girardi, Aurora Beacon-News, September 2
ETHS board approves $118.4 million budget
Margo Milanowski, Evanston Roundtable, September 7
In today’s Leading News, some teacher contract negotiations conclude, others remain underway.
Naperville 203 approves new contract for teachers
Alicia Fabbre, Daily Herald, September 4
Champaign teachers ratify new contract
Jana Wiersema, Champaign News-Gazette, September 4
West Frankfort teachers begin school year without contract; mediation set for Sept. 10
KBSI, Paducah, Kentucky, September 5
Contract Talks Stalled, District 146 Teachers To Rally Ahead Of Board Of Education Meeting
Lauren Traut, Patch Tinley Park, September 5
Rural Route Safety Day educates new drivers ahead of harvest season in McLean County
Mateusz Janik, Bloomington Pantagraph, September 4
Naperville 203 approves new contract for teachers
Alicia Fabbre, Daily Herald, September 4
Champaign teachers ratify new contract
Jana Wiersema, Champaign News-Gazette, September 4
West Frankfort teachers begin school year without contract; mediation set for Sept. 10
KBSI, Paducah, Kentucky, September 5
Contract Talks Stalled, District 146 Teachers To Rally Ahead Of Board Of Education Meeting
Lauren Traut, Patch Tinley Park, September 5
Rural Route Safety Day educates new drivers ahead of harvest season in McLean County
Mateusz Janik, Bloomington Pantagraph, September 4
In today’s Leading News, Illinois schools and communities consider the local impacts of federal action.
Trump's promised immigration crackdown in Chicago could last six weeks, suburban official says
Sophia Tareen, AP/Bloomington Pantagraph, September 4
CTU calls for remote learning option for families amid looming immigration raids
Emmanuel Camarillo, Chicago Sun-Times, September 3
Chicago prepares for an influx of National Guard troops and immigration agents
AP/Daily Herald, September 3
Illinois elections board refuses to give DOJ sensitive voter data
Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois, Champaign News-Gazette, September 3
What Illinois laws say about vaccines
Dina Bair, Katharin Czink, Anna Roberts, WGN, Chicago, September 3
Trump's promised immigration crackdown in Chicago could last six weeks, suburban official says
Sophia Tareen, AP/Bloomington Pantagraph, September 4
CTU calls for remote learning option for families amid looming immigration raids
Emmanuel Camarillo, Chicago Sun-Times, September 3
Chicago prepares for an influx of National Guard troops and immigration agents
AP/Daily Herald, September 3
Illinois elections board refuses to give DOJ sensitive voter data
Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois, Champaign News-Gazette, September 3
What Illinois laws say about vaccines
Dina Bair, Katharin Czink, Anna Roberts, WGN, Chicago, September 3
In today’s Leading News, discover the latest coverage of teacher contract talks, including collaborative problem-solving in Round Lake CUSD 116. Also in the news, un-muddying the water in Bethalto CUSD 8.
Union support ‘defining moment’ to resolving Round Lake District 116 budget issue
Mick Zawislak, Daily Herald, August 30
Valley View teachers vote to authorize strike, but remain at the bargaining table
Jessie Molloy, Shaw Local/Joliet Herald News, September 2
Naperville D203 contract keeps current school day, increases base salary
Michelle Mullins, Naperville Sun, September 3
River Forest teachers clamor for new contract in School District 90
Bob Skolnik, Chicago Tribune, September 2
Bethalto School District Gives Update on Discolored Water, Asks for Water Donations
Sydney Sinks, River Bender, Alton, August 29
Union support ‘defining moment’ to resolving Round Lake District 116 budget issue
Mick Zawislak, Daily Herald, August 30
Valley View teachers vote to authorize strike, but remain at the bargaining table
Jessie Molloy, Shaw Local/Joliet Herald News, September 2
Naperville D203 contract keeps current school day, increases base salary
Michelle Mullins, Naperville Sun, September 3
River Forest teachers clamor for new contract in School District 90
Bob Skolnik, Chicago Tribune, September 2
Bethalto School District Gives Update on Discolored Water, Asks for Water Donations
Sydney Sinks, River Bender, Alton, August 29
In today’s Leading News, read coverage of local responses to national concerns and conversations.
CPS prepares students, parents amid National Guard threat
Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, September 3
Mayor Brandon Johnson Signs Executive Order Designed to Protect Residents if Trump Sends National Guard, ICE Strike Team to Chicago
Heather Cherone, WTTW, Chicago August 30
District 87 considers easing graduation requirements for students new to the country
Braden Fogerson, WGLT, Normal, September 2
Parents awarded $248K in legal expenses in Galesburg disability education rights lawsuit
Jane Carlson, Tri States Public Radio, August 21
Students at Farm Progress Show learn variety of lessons
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, August 28
CPS prepares students, parents amid National Guard threat
Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, September 3
Mayor Brandon Johnson Signs Executive Order Designed to Protect Residents if Trump Sends National Guard, ICE Strike Team to Chicago
Heather Cherone, WTTW, Chicago August 30
District 87 considers easing graduation requirements for students new to the country
Braden Fogerson, WGLT, Normal, September 2
Parents awarded $248K in legal expenses in Galesburg disability education rights lawsuit
Jane Carlson, Tri States Public Radio, August 21
Students at Farm Progress Show learn variety of lessons
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, August 28
In today’s Leading News, read reporting on the CPS budget vote. Also in the news, more from CPS.
CPS Board Approves District Budget Without Borrowing to Cover $175M Pension Payment
Matt Masterson, WTTW, Chicago, August 28
CPS board rejects Johnson's preferred budget, denies pension payment and loan
Sarah Karp and Emmanuel Camarillo , WBEZ, August 28
Chicago school board approves budget without controversial $200M loan
Nell Salzman and Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, August 29
There definitely was a need’: CPS, communities host back-to-school events to big crowds
Kate Perez and William Tong, Chicago Tribune, August 15
Leo High School choir advances to ‘America’s Got Talent’ semifinals
Tess Kenn, Chicago Tribune, August 28
CPS Board Approves District Budget Without Borrowing to Cover $175M Pension Payment
Matt Masterson, WTTW, Chicago, August 28
CPS board rejects Johnson's preferred budget, denies pension payment and loan
Sarah Karp and Emmanuel Camarillo , WBEZ, August 28
Chicago school board approves budget without controversial $200M loan
Nell Salzman and Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, August 29
There definitely was a need’: CPS, communities host back-to-school events to big crowds
Kate Perez and William Tong, Chicago Tribune, August 15
Leo High School choir advances to ‘America’s Got Talent’ semifinals
Tess Kenn, Chicago Tribune, August 28
Leading News
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