In today’s Leading News, read reporting on where, and how, cell phones are banned in schools nationwide. Students can opt-in to apply to Illinois’ public universities. Read more coverage of Illinois new laws impacting education. Also in the news, as Illinois, federal guidance EL rights has been changed.
Pritzker launches 'One Click College Admit' for public universities. See how to opt in
Hannah Hudnall, USA Today Network, Galesburg Register-Mail, August 22
Students face new cellphone restrictions in 17 states as school year begins
Jeff Amy, Associated Press, August 21
New Illinois law aims to protect access to public education for immigrant students
Reema Amin and Samantha Smylie, Chalkbeat Chicago, August 19
Governor completes signing of more than 430 bills from spring session
Peter Hancock and Ben Szalinski, Capital News Illinois, August 22
Trump administration rolls back pivotal guidance about educational rights of English learners
Kalyn Belsha, Chalkbeat, August 20
Pritzker launches 'One Click College Admit' for public universities. See how to opt in
Hannah Hudnall, USA Today Network, Galesburg Register-Mail, August 22
Students face new cellphone restrictions in 17 states as school year begins
Jeff Amy, Associated Press, August 21
New Illinois law aims to protect access to public education for immigrant students
Reema Amin and Samantha Smylie, Chalkbeat Chicago, August 19
Governor completes signing of more than 430 bills from spring session
Peter Hancock and Ben Szalinski, Capital News Illinois, August 22
Trump administration rolls back pivotal guidance about educational rights of English learners
Kalyn Belsha, Chalkbeat, August 20
In today’s Leading News, Naperville USD 203 and its teachers reach a tentative agreement, averting a Tuesday strike. Districts look at where the money come from, and goes. Also in the news, the Daily Herald looks at where the new money goes.
Strike averted: Naperville District 203, teachers reach tentative deal
Alicia Fabbre, Daily Herald, August 21
District 87 board approves debt restructuring to keep taxes for bonds steady, in tentative budget vote
D. Jack Alkire, Bloomington Pantagraph, August 21
Borrowing, pensions and TIFs: What’s fueling the CPS budget standoff?
Nell Salzman, Kate Perez, and Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, August 21
Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 receiving additional revenue from state’s evidence-based funding program
Steve Sadin, Lake County News-Sun, August 17
How much additional revenue did your school district receive through state’s evidence-based funding formula?
Jake Griffin, Daily Herald, August 23
Strike averted: Naperville District 203, teachers reach tentative deal
Alicia Fabbre, Daily Herald, August 21
District 87 board approves debt restructuring to keep taxes for bonds steady, in tentative budget vote
D. Jack Alkire, Bloomington Pantagraph, August 21
Borrowing, pensions and TIFs: What’s fueling the CPS budget standoff?
Nell Salzman, Kate Perez, and Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, August 21
Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 receiving additional revenue from state’s evidence-based funding program
Steve Sadin, Lake County News-Sun, August 17
How much additional revenue did your school district receive through state’s evidence-based funding formula?
Jake Griffin, Daily Herald, August 23
In today’s Leading News, new laws will impact Illinois schools.
Illinois legislature passes bill to shed more light on how schools support homeless students
Peter Medlin, Northern Public Radio, DeKalb, August 20
The Rundown: New law protects all public schools from ICE
Esther Bergdahl, WBEZ, Chicago, August 20
Illinois students can no longer be ticketed or fined by police in school under new state law
Samantha Smylie, Chalkbeat, August 21
Illinois law expands grant program for agriculture education teachers
Mike Miletich, WAND, Decatur, August 21
New Illinois law helps parents access their kids mental health records
Sean Lisitza, WMBD, Peoria, August 15
Illinois legislature passes bill to shed more light on how schools support homeless students
Peter Medlin, Northern Public Radio, DeKalb, August 20
The Rundown: New law protects all public schools from ICE
Esther Bergdahl, WBEZ, Chicago, August 20
Illinois students can no longer be ticketed or fined by police in school under new state law
Samantha Smylie, Chalkbeat, August 21
Illinois law expands grant program for agriculture education teachers
Mike Miletich, WAND, Decatur, August 21
New Illinois law helps parents access their kids mental health records
Sean Lisitza, WMBD, Peoria, August 15
In today’s Leading News, coverage of contract negotiations in several districts continues in local media.
Valley View schools, union talks stalled as new year begins without contract
Judy Harvey, Shaw Local/Joliet Herald-News August 18
The union contract for teachers at Manhattan School District 114 has been approved
Stephanie Irvine, The Vedette, Southwest suburbs, August 18
Breaking down what PBL teachers want in ongoing contract negotiations
WAND, Decatur August 15
District 146 Shares 6%, 6%, 5% Offer to Teacher’s Union
Patch Tinley Park, August 15
Naperville teachers rally again as strike threat looms
Alicia Fabbre, Daily Herald, August 18
Valley View schools, union talks stalled as new year begins without contract
Judy Harvey, Shaw Local/Joliet Herald-News August 18
The union contract for teachers at Manhattan School District 114 has been approved
Stephanie Irvine, The Vedette, Southwest suburbs, August 18
Breaking down what PBL teachers want in ongoing contract negotiations
WAND, Decatur August 15
District 146 Shares 6%, 6%, 5% Offer to Teacher’s Union
Patch Tinley Park, August 15
Naperville teachers rally again as strike threat looms
Alicia Fabbre, Daily Herald, August 18
In today’s Leading News, read coverage of national hot-button issues relating to public education in Illinois.
New Illinois law aims to protect access to public education for immigrant students
Reema Aminand Samantha Smylie, August 19
South, southwest suburban districts align Title IX policies with new federal guidance
Addison Wright, Daily Southtown, August 15
District 95 authorizes emergency expenditure to ensure specialized transportation service
Mick Zawislak, Daily Herald, August 12
Illinois SNAP Education program eliminated amid federal cuts: ‘It’s heartbreaking’
Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, August 18
Billboard for Proud Boys hate group removed in southern Illinois after public pressure
Molly Parker, Capital New Illinois, August 19
New Illinois law aims to protect access to public education for immigrant students
Reema Aminand Samantha Smylie, August 19
South, southwest suburban districts align Title IX policies with new federal guidance
Addison Wright, Daily Southtown, August 15
District 95 authorizes emergency expenditure to ensure specialized transportation service
Mick Zawislak, Daily Herald, August 12
Illinois SNAP Education program eliminated amid federal cuts: ‘It’s heartbreaking’
Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, August 18
Billboard for Proud Boys hate group removed in southern Illinois after public pressure
Molly Parker, Capital New Illinois, August 19
In today’s Leading News, more coverage of those first days back.
Excitement amid cuts: CPS families on the first day
Nell Salzman and Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, August 18
CPS enrollment, Trump actions and special ed: What to watch this school year
Sarah Karp, WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times, August 17
Ravinia Elementary reopens after $40 million rehab; ‘heart and soul of North Shore School District 112’
Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, August 14
What’s new for Belleville high school students in 2025-26?
Madison Lammert, Belleville News-Democrat, August 12
Dansby Magnet School students welcomed to their new building with cheers and high fives
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, August 14
Excitement amid cuts: CPS families on the first day
Nell Salzman and Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, August 18
CPS enrollment, Trump actions and special ed: What to watch this school year
Sarah Karp, WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times, August 17
Ravinia Elementary reopens after $40 million rehab; ‘heart and soul of North Shore School District 112’
Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, August 14
What’s new for Belleville high school students in 2025-26?
Madison Lammert, Belleville News-Democrat, August 12
Dansby Magnet School students welcomed to their new building with cheers and high fives
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, August 14
In today’s Leading News, districts cope mold findings and remediation in school facilities. Also in facilities news, CPS properties go green.
Mercer County School District Cancels First Day Of School Due To Mold At High School
Ty Taylor, WRMJ, Aledo, August 13
With kids constantly sick, mom tested and found mold toxicity coming from Quad-Cities elementary school
Cesar Toscano, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, August 15
School Board looks to cover costs tied to QHS mold
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, August 13
At August meeting, District 215 board discusses enhancements to student safety
Nuha Abdessalam, Lansing Journal, August 17
From gray to green: Across Chicago, dozens of concrete schoolyards transformed into community hubs and flooding solutions
Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, August 12
Mercer County School District Cancels First Day Of School Due To Mold At High School
Ty Taylor, WRMJ, Aledo, August 13
With kids constantly sick, mom tested and found mold toxicity coming from Quad-Cities elementary school
Cesar Toscano, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, August 15
School Board looks to cover costs tied to QHS mold
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, August 13
At August meeting, District 215 board discusses enhancements to student safety
Nuha Abdessalam, Lansing Journal, August 17
From gray to green: Across Chicago, dozens of concrete schoolyards transformed into community hubs and flooding solutions
Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, August 12
In today’s Leading News, new laws in Illinois Bears’ stadium talk, the CPS budget, and classroom wishes. Also in the news, a good night’s sleep.
Relaxation activities, banning corporal punishment and more: New laws impacting Illinois classrooms
Tom Ackerman, Springfield State Journal-Register, August 11
Pritzker: Taxpayers shouldn’t be ‘propping up’ Bears stadium plan
Russell Lissau, Daily Herald, August 11
CPS budget plan hedges on city pension payment, but some board members are insisting it be paid
Sarah Karp, WBEZ/ Chicago Sun-Times, August 13
If money was no object, what’s the one thing you’d order for your classroom?
Jeff D'Alessio, Champaign News-Gazette, August 2
How to get kids back on a sleep schedule for the school year
Adithi Ramakrishnan, Associated Press, August 14
Relaxation activities, banning corporal punishment and more: New laws impacting Illinois classrooms
Tom Ackerman, Springfield State Journal-Register, August 11
Pritzker: Taxpayers shouldn’t be ‘propping up’ Bears stadium plan
Russell Lissau, Daily Herald, August 11
CPS budget plan hedges on city pension payment, but some board members are insisting it be paid
Sarah Karp, WBEZ/ Chicago Sun-Times, August 13
If money was no object, what’s the one thing you’d order for your classroom?
Jeff D'Alessio, Champaign News-Gazette, August 2
How to get kids back on a sleep schedule for the school year
Adithi Ramakrishnan, Associated Press, August 14
In today’s Leading News, some contract negotiations are resolved, others continue. Also in the news, what happened to CPS school lunches?
Pay bumps, smaller classroom sizes included in new D186 contract with teachers union
Steven Spearie, Springfield State Journal-Register, August 13
PBL teachers, support staff march for new contract
Dave Hinton, Champaign News-Gazette, August 13
Naperville Unit District 203 teachers authorize strike
Alicia Fabbre, Daily Herald, August 12
Carrollton School Board raises substitute pay, eyes teacher retention and safety
Chase Martin, Alton Telegraph, July 22
School lunch used to pass the test
Sarah Karp, WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times, August 13
Pay bumps, smaller classroom sizes included in new D186 contract with teachers union
Steven Spearie, Springfield State Journal-Register, August 13
PBL teachers, support staff march for new contract
Dave Hinton, Champaign News-Gazette, August 13
Naperville Unit District 203 teachers authorize strike
Alicia Fabbre, Daily Herald, August 12
Carrollton School Board raises substitute pay, eyes teacher retention and safety
Chase Martin, Alton Telegraph, July 22
School lunch used to pass the test
Sarah Karp, WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times, August 13
In today’s Leading News, Illinois prepares to change state standards. Also in the news, the ROI of a college education.
Illinois students could see new testing standards with proposed state board revisions
Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, August 12
State education board to vote on new test scoring system
Revised measurements meant to more accurately reflect student performance
Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois, August 12
Illinois wants to lower the bar for passing state tests, saying the standard is unfair to students
Nader Issa, Chicago Sun-Times, August 12
Why the state education board wants to change benchmarks for state tests
Madhu Krishnamurthy, Daily Herald, August 12
Higher education pays off in Illinois, but economic barriers persist, study says
Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, August 11
Illinois students could see new testing standards with proposed state board revisions
Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, August 12
State education board to vote on new test scoring system
Revised measurements meant to more accurately reflect student performance
Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois, August 12
Illinois wants to lower the bar for passing state tests, saying the standard is unfair to students
Nader Issa, Chicago Sun-Times, August 12
Why the state education board wants to change benchmarks for state tests
Madhu Krishnamurthy, Daily Herald, August 12
Higher education pays off in Illinois, but economic barriers persist, study says
Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, August 11
In today’s Leading News it’s go time, or almost, for schools across the state.
Palatine High School, District 211 celebrate start of 150th school year
Eric Peterson, Daily Herald, August 11
New building, new teachers among the highlights of new school year in Decatur
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, August 9
School year start pushed back at QHS
Herald-Whig, Quincy, August 1
Here are changes Belleville School District 118 students will see in 2025-26
Madison Lammert, Belleville News-Democrat, August 11
Schools from 1800s start their ‘last first days’ in District U-46
Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune/Elgin Courier-News, August 11
Palatine High School, District 211 celebrate start of 150th school year
Eric Peterson, Daily Herald, August 11
New building, new teachers among the highlights of new school year in Decatur
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, August 9
School year start pushed back at QHS
Herald-Whig, Quincy, August 1
Here are changes Belleville School District 118 students will see in 2025-26
Madison Lammert, Belleville News-Democrat, August 11
Schools from 1800s start their ‘last first days’ in District U-46
Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune/Elgin Courier-News, August 11
In today’s Leading News, what’s new in public school facilities in Illinois? Also in the news, local newspapers shut down, leaving some Illinois communities disconnected.
Inside look: Opening day nears for Urbana's one-of-a-kind new school
Rob Le Cates, Champaign News-Gazette, August 11
DeKalb School District opens new Dr. Leroy A. Mitchell Elementary School
Peter Medlin, Northern Public Radio, DeKalb, August 8
CPS designates 16 new ‘sustainable community schools’
Mary Norkol, Chicago Sun-Times, August 4
O’Fallon 90 brainstorming additions, new schools to accommodate growth
Madison Lammert, Belleville News-Democrat, July 18
Closure of Midwest-based newspaper chain leaves dozens of communities without a news source
Sarah Raza and Jack Duram Associated Press, August 7
Inside look: Opening day nears for Urbana's one-of-a-kind new school
Rob Le Cates, Champaign News-Gazette, August 11
DeKalb School District opens new Dr. Leroy A. Mitchell Elementary School
Peter Medlin, Northern Public Radio, DeKalb, August 8
CPS designates 16 new ‘sustainable community schools’
Mary Norkol, Chicago Sun-Times, August 4
O’Fallon 90 brainstorming additions, new schools to accommodate growth
Madison Lammert, Belleville News-Democrat, July 18
Closure of Midwest-based newspaper chain leaves dozens of communities without a news source
Sarah Raza and Jack Duram Associated Press, August 7
In today’s Leading News, welcome in.
School begins next week
Terra Temple, Metropolis Planet, August 7
As the school year kicks off, why do Quad-Cities schools start when they do?
Cesar Toscano, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, August 4
Back to school events
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, August 7
School starts in Staunton: Students return to school, kicking off new year with fresh routines
John Badman, Alton Telegraph, August 6
Hersey High School unveils $6.3 million front entrance face-lift
Christopher Placek, Daily Herald, August 6
School begins next week
Terra Temple, Metropolis Planet, August 7
As the school year kicks off, why do Quad-Cities schools start when they do?
Cesar Toscano, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, August 4
Back to school events
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, August 7
School starts in Staunton: Students return to school, kicking off new year with fresh routines
John Badman, Alton Telegraph, August 6
Hersey High School unveils $6.3 million front entrance face-lift
Christopher Placek, Daily Herald, August 6
In today’s Leading News, read about ongoing and concluding contract negotiations. Also in the news, a new law provides Chicago first responders under the Tier 2 pension system with better benefits.
PBL teachers, support staff still negotiating new contract
Will Brumleve, Ford County Chronicle, August 4
Edwardsville District 7 unanimously approves new teachers' contract
Jason Koch, Edwardsville Intelligencer, August 4
Springfield Education Association calls for urgent resolution to contract negotiations
WICS, Springfield, August 6
Decatur Federation of Teaching Assistants contract approved by Decatur school board
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, August 6
Aquifer protection, Chicago pension boost among more than 100 new laws
Ben Szalinski, Andrew Adams, and Jerry Nowicki, Capitol News Illinois, August 4
PBL teachers, support staff still negotiating new contract
Will Brumleve, Ford County Chronicle, August 4
Edwardsville District 7 unanimously approves new teachers' contract
Jason Koch, Edwardsville Intelligencer, August 4
Springfield Education Association calls for urgent resolution to contract negotiations
WICS, Springfield, August 6
Decatur Federation of Teaching Assistants contract approved by Decatur school board
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, August 6
Aquifer protection, Chicago pension boost among more than 100 new laws
Ben Szalinski, Andrew Adams, and Jerry Nowicki, Capitol News Illinois, August 4
In today’s Leading News, contract negotiations in Naperville CUSD 203 and Mercer County SD 404. Also in the news, local decisions on cell phone use in classrooms.
Naperville 203 contract talks continue; both sides pledge teachers will be in classrooms Aug. 14
Alicia Fabbre, The Daily Herald, August 4
First Mediation Meeting In Mercer County Teachers’ Contract Talks Wednesday
Ty Taylor, WRMJ, Aledo, August 5 Western Illinois Today
Inside the Parent-Led Movement For Phone-Free Schools
Charlotte Alter, Time Magazine, August 4
New cell phone policy sparks debate among Belvidere students and parents
Blake Dietz, WTVO, Rockford, July 22
D113 cell-phone policy aims to fight tech addiction ‘crisis’; ‘They’re very powerful devices, and should be treated as such’
Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, July 2
Naperville 203 contract talks continue; both sides pledge teachers will be in classrooms Aug. 14
Alicia Fabbre, The Daily Herald, August 4
First Mediation Meeting In Mercer County Teachers’ Contract Talks Wednesday
Ty Taylor, WRMJ, Aledo, August 5 Western Illinois Today
Inside the Parent-Led Movement For Phone-Free Schools
Charlotte Alter, Time Magazine, August 4
New cell phone policy sparks debate among Belvidere students and parents
Blake Dietz, WTVO, Rockford, July 22
D113 cell-phone policy aims to fight tech addiction ‘crisis’; ‘They’re very powerful devices, and should be treated as such’
Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, July 2
In today’s Leading News, two laws will affect district decision making and resources. Also in the news, read about a few exciting celebrations.
Illinois schools to offer mental health screenings under bill Gov. Pritzker signed in Evanston
Richard Requena, Pioneer Press, Chicago suburbs, July 31
Illinois Passes Groundbreaking School Bus Seat Belt Law
Dani Tietz, Mahomet Daily, August 4
Kankakee High School celebrates late grads
Stephanie Markham, Kankakee Daily Journal, August 2
‘I’m beyond excited’: New U-46 middle school in Bartlett ready to welcome students
Rick West, Daily Herald, July 30
Yorkville schools complete $3.9 million temporary classrooms project
Joey Weslo, Shae Local/Kendall County Now, August 4
Illinois schools to offer mental health screenings under bill Gov. Pritzker signed in Evanston
Richard Requena, Pioneer Press, Chicago suburbs, July 31
Illinois Passes Groundbreaking School Bus Seat Belt Law
Dani Tietz, Mahomet Daily, August 4
Kankakee High School celebrates late grads
Stephanie Markham, Kankakee Daily Journal, August 2
‘I’m beyond excited’: New U-46 middle school in Bartlett ready to welcome students
Rick West, Daily Herald, July 30
Yorkville schools complete $3.9 million temporary classrooms project
Joey Weslo, Shae Local/Kendall County Now, August 4
In today’s Leading News, boards hear community concerns ahead of back-to-school time.
District says Rock Island High School will be safe to start the school year after mold found
Cesar Toscano, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, August 2
Homewood neighborhood near James Hart Middle School bands together after shootings
Olivia Stevens, Daily Southtown, August 3
CPS must present a plan to close its deficit within 9 days: What are the options?
Sarah Karp, WBEZ/Chicago Sun Times, August 4
School Board suspends superintendent, Denman teachers
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, August 1
QPS "action plan" promises changes at Denman Elementary
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, August 2
District says Rock Island High School will be safe to start the school year after mold found
Cesar Toscano, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, August 2
Homewood neighborhood near James Hart Middle School bands together after shootings
Olivia Stevens, Daily Southtown, August 3
CPS must present a plan to close its deficit within 9 days: What are the options?
Sarah Karp, WBEZ/Chicago Sun Times, August 4
School Board suspends superintendent, Denman teachers
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, August 1
QPS "action plan" promises changes at Denman Elementary
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, August 2
In today’s Leading News, new fits for students in Kanakee SD 111, scooter safety in Carrollton CUSD 1, alternative funding sources in THSD 214, schedule changes in Granite City CUSD 9, and football numbers in Arcola CUSD 306.
Uniforms no longer required at Kankakee High School
Stephanie Markham, Kankakee Daily Journal, July 31
Scooters, e-bikes spark safety concerns at Carrollton High School track
Chase Martin, Jacksonville Journal Courier, July 28
Ads on campus? District 214 latest to eye corporate sponsorships for school spaces
Christopher Placek, Daily Herald, July 29
Granite City schools see big changes: restructuring, class hours and admin shuffle
Madison Lammert, Belleville News-Democrat, July 25
Traditional football power battling turnout issues
Joey Wright, Champaign News-Gazette, July 29
Uniforms no longer required at Kankakee High School
Stephanie Markham, Kankakee Daily Journal, July 31
Scooters, e-bikes spark safety concerns at Carrollton High School track
Chase Martin, Jacksonville Journal Courier, July 28
Ads on campus? District 214 latest to eye corporate sponsorships for school spaces
Christopher Placek, Daily Herald, July 29
Granite City schools see big changes: restructuring, class hours and admin shuffle
Madison Lammert, Belleville News-Democrat, July 25
Traditional football power battling turnout issues
Joey Wright, Champaign News-Gazette, July 29
Leading News
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