In today’s Leading News, more mitigations and adjustments are expected in the ongoing battle to stem the COVID-19 pandemic. As expected. the announcement includes mandated vaccinations for all school employees. Also in the news, Naperville students’ efforts help pass a law putting suicide prevention hotlines on student IDs, and another bill places adds measures for school districts regarding anaphylactic reactions.

Update:
Pritzker reimposes statewide indoor mask mandate
Jake Griffin, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, August 26

Illinois governor to order statewide mask mandate and require vaccines for educators from kindergarten to college
Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, August 26

Over 1,200 K-12 schools, with 650K students, to use U. of I.’s rapid COVID-19 tests
Nader Issa, Chicago Sun-Times, August 25

Biden finds Missouri challenge to school mask mandates ‘unacceptable,’ White House says
Jonathan Shorman, AP/Belleville News-Democrat, August 24

Suicide prevention info on student IDs now the law after Gov. Pritzker signs bill pushed by Naperville Central teen’s group
Rafael Guerrero, Naperville Sun, August 24

Pritzker signs legislation seeking to protect children with severe allergies
Shepard Price, Alton Telegraph, August 24

In today’s Leading News, school districts, communities, and related entities cope with the details of education as COVID cases surge.
 
Southwest Illinois school district goes remote with surge in COVID cases, quarantines
Megan Valley, Belleville News-Democrat, August 20
 
From ‘quarantine academies’ to virtual substitutes, how schools are teaching students in isolation because of COVID-19
Karen Ann Cullotta, Chicago Tribune, August 23
 
District 211 spent less money last year because of hybrid, remote learning
Eric Peterson, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, August 20
 
Some McHenry County families have started home schooling because of COVID-19 mask mandate
Sam Lounsberry, Northwest Herald, August 20
 
Illinois schools flouting Pritzker school mask mandate banned from fall playoff games
Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, August 24

In today’s Leading News, Naperville CUSD 203 and its teachers union have reached a tentative agreement to avoid a strike. In other collective bargaining news, Moline-Coal Valley SD 40 negotiations bring agreement. Read more reaction to the state’s new bills addressing school sex education programs.  Also in the news, schools and providers seek bus drivers as shortages complicate return-to-school plans.

Naperville School District 203, teachers union reach tentative contract agreement
Rafael Guerrero, Naperville Sun, August 23

School board OKs bargaining agreement
Nicole Lauer, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, August 23

Pritzker says new sex education law ‘will help keep our children safe’ — but GOP rivals blast it as ‘obscene’ and ‘misguided’
Rachel Hinton, Chicago Sun-Times, August 20

Decatur schools address bus transportation issues
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, August 21

Oswego School District delays start of Early Childhood classes due to school bus driver shortage
John Etheredge, Kendall County Now, August 23

In today’s Leading News, new standards are in place for schools that offer sex education programs. Also in the news, the week in review in coronavirus response.

Pritzker signs two bills to further sex education in K-12 schools
WIFR, Rockford, August 20

The Week in Review: Indoor Masking Returns
Alexandra Silets, WTTW, Chicago, August 20

State agency apologizes for asking for Carle doctor's stance on school mask mandate
Debra Pressey, Champaign News-Gazette, August 20

22 aldermen urge mayor and CPS to implement new COVID-safe policies for reopening
Cheyanne M. Daniels, Chicago Sun-Times, August 22

How parents and teachers can help kids nervous about returning to school
Alison Bowen, Chicago Tribune, August 19
 

In today’s Leading News, the mask mandate conversations continue. Also, there’s progress in the ongoing negotiations between Naperville 203 and its teachers.

Illinois State Board of Education gets pushback on mask mandate
Peter Hancock, CNI/State Journal-Register, Springfield, August 19

Stevenson High School District 125 mandates teacher and staff vaccinations by October
Pioneer Press/Chicago Tribune, August 17

CTU says talks over additional COVID-19 precautions aren’t progressing with return to classrooms just days away
Mitch Dudek and Nader Issa, Chicago Sun-Times, August 18

Classes begin in QPS with masks, without controversy
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, August 18

Masks just another part of the program on first day at Collinsville elementary school
Teri Maddox, Belleville News-Democrat, August 19

Naperville D203 and teachers union reach deal on family leave, plan to meet again on contract Monday
Rafael Guerrero, Naperville Sun, August 19

In today’s Leading News, the mask mandate and COVID numbers make headlines across the state.

Dozens of Illinois public school districts on probation for refusing to comply with Pritzker’s mask mandate
Karen Ann Cullotta, Chicago Tribune, August 18

Multiple southern Illinois schools placed on probation for not following mask mandate
WSIL, Carterville, August 18

How Will Students Learn If They Need To Quarantine This Year? It Depends.
Peter Medlin, Northern Public Radio, DeKalb, August 16

School is starting in southwest Illinois. Here’s where youth COVID cases stand
Megan Valley, Belleville News-Democrat, August 17

COVID-19 'outbreak' puts ROWVA/Williamsfield football on pause
Matthew Wheaton, Galesburg Register-Mail, August 16

In today’s Leading News, negotiations continue between Naperville CUSD 203 board and teachers. It’s a new year and new facility in Decatur SD 61. McHenry County considers adding a truancy officer. McLean Co Unit District 5 unveils its Equity Plan, addressing staff diversity, access to honors and AP classes, staff training, and discipline data. Also in the news: “Bigger than hair” as a bill is signed that aims to prevent discrimination in schools based on hairstyles.
 
Naperville teachers pushing for 'fair, rapid settlement' in contract negotiations
Lauren Rohr, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, August 17
 
Students, staff kick off new year in new building at Johns Hill in Decatur
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, August 17
 
McHenry County considers adding truancy investigator
Ben Szalinski, Shaw Media/Northwest Herald, Chicago suburbs, August 10
 
Unit 5 rolls out 'Equity Action Plan'
Kelsey Watznauer, Bloomington Pantagraph, August 11
 
Kids to be protected from hair discrimination in schools: ‘Our existence deserves to be celebrated, not just tolerated’
Rachel Hinton, Chicago Sun-Times, August 13

In today’s Leading News, As CPS mandates vaccinations for school personnel, and other districts grapple with the Executive Order requiring masks, there are different forces in play in Galesburg CUSD 205, where high school students will start the year remotely. Also in the news, read a national take on what’s going on in public meetings, as well as an editorial from the Daily Herald in support of school boards facing difficult decisions.
 
Vax to school special: CPS mandates COVID-19 vaccination for teachers, all other district employees
Mitchell Armentrout, Chicago Sun-Times, August 13
 
Will schools defy Pritzker mask mandate?
Jane Carlson and Chris Kaegard, Peoria Journal Star, August 15
 
Galesburg High School students will start school remotely
Jane Carlson, Galesburg Register-Mail, August 16
 
A new source of COVID misinformation: your local government’s public comment session
David Klepper and Heather Hollingsworth, AP/Chicago Tribune, August 16
 
Editorial: Threats, name-calling against school board members must stop
Editorial Board, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, August 13

In today’s Leading News, the challenges of coronavirus mitigations continue.
 
Lawsuit Seeks to Strike School Mask Mandate
Amanda Vinicky, WTTW, Chicago, August 10
 
Top educator warns schools against defying mask mandate
Megan Valley, Belleville News-Democrat, August 13
 
Suburban private school that lost state recognition over its response to Pritzker’s mask mandate says it never planned to defy the law
Karen Ann Cullotta, Chicago Tribune, August 12
 
As COVID-19 cases increase, health officials urge masks indoors
Jane Carlson, Galesburg Register-Mail, August 13
 
Friday night slights: Referees, feeling unappreciated, underpaid and unnerved by COVID-19, are fleeing high school football and other youth sports
John Keilman, Chicago Tribune, August 10
 

In today’s Leading News, school districts in Illinois prepare for the first day of school amid anticipation, contention over the mask-wearing mandate, and a possible strike.

After 18 months of COVID-19 interruptions, students across suburban Chicago head back for in-person learning: ‘We’re in this almost normal world right now’
Karen Ann Cullotta, Chicago Tribune, August 11

New school year begins in Glenbard High School District 87
Katlyn Smith, Daily Herald, August 11

Back to School Help Fair gets students off to good start
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, August 10

CPS plans weekly COVID-19 tests for all students and staff — but stops short of requiring them
Nader Issa, Chicago Sun-Times, August 9

No Strike on First Day
NCTV17, Naperville, August 10
 

In today’s Leading News, read a state-by-state look at school mask mandates and prohibitions of mask requirements. Also in the news, the conversation continues in Illinois districts and communities.
 
State-by-state guide to school face mask mandates
Kait Hanson, USA Today, August 10
 
Local health officials report record-breaking rise in COVID cases — children included
Southern Illinoisan, Carbondale, August 11
 
Libertyville District 70 board says no more 'hateful' emails allowed as public comment
Mick Zawislak, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, August 10
 
In compromise, Farmington schools will require masks – but not due to Pritzker's mandate
Leslie Renken, Peoria Journal Star, August 10
 
Kaneland superintendent says discipline procedures will be followed if students refuse to wear masks in school
Mark Foster, Kane County Chronicles, August 10
 
School administrator says Illinois’ mask mandate creates ‘untenable and unsustainable’ pressure on staff
WTVO, Rockford, August 11
 

In today’s Leading News, CPS special education programs continue under scrutiny. Read how and why districts are changing the names of schools. Charleston CUSD 1 and Mattoon CUSD 2 are looking for bus drivers. Also in the news, a bill would add a suicide lifeline number to student ID cards.
​
CPS Special Education Still Plagued With Troubles 3 Years After State Ordered Reforms
Sarah Karp and Nader Issa, WBEZ and Sun-Times, Chicago, August 6

Why Thomas Jefferson's name was removed from suburban school building
Russel Lissau, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, August 7

'Good personality and good ideas': Meet the driving force to change names of Peoria schools
Leslie Renken, Peoria Journal Star, July 29

Charleston, Mattoon school districts in need of additional bus drivers
Rob Stroud, Journal Gazette & Times-Courier, Charleston/Mattoon, July 30

Illinois bill aims to put suicide prevention lifeline number on student IDs
Zoe Chipalla, WIFR, Rockford, July 28

In today’s Leading News, Illinois boards of education meet to discuss return-to-learn plans and the executive order requiring masks inside schools. Also in the news, St. Charles CUSD 303’s such meeting had an unusual twist.

Governor’s mask mandate unlikely to be last word on the issue in Southland
Mike Nolan, Daily Southtown, Chicago and suburbs, August 6

Local School Board meeting gets heated in debate over mask mandate
Noelle Williams, KFVS, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, August 10

McHenry County-area school systems contend with Gov. JB Pritzker’s statewide school mask order
Sam Lounsberry, Northwest Herald, August 5

Group of Dist. 303 parents, students rally against statewide mask mandate
Eric Schelkopf, Kane County Chronicle, August 10

Amid severe weather, St. Charles School Board meeting attendees moved to basement.
Kane County Chronicle, August 9

In today’s Leading News, coronavirus recovery and resurgence continue to make waves in the public education conversation.

How will Pritzker's mask mandate be enforced? State, educators say they've got it covered
Marni Pyke, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, August 6

Will County school districts to reverse policies after Pritzker’s mask mandate to fight COVID-19
Alex Ortiz, Joliet Herald News, August 8

Despite governor’s directive, masks remain a hot topic in some Lake County school districts
Steve Sadin, Lake County News-Sun, August 6

Schools preparing for 'fluid' reopening
Dylan Suttles, Alton Telegraph, August 4

Mask mandate to affect volleyball again
Bucky Dent, Southern Illinoisan, Carbondale, August 5

In today’s Leading News, more on the COVID-19 delta variant, and the announcements from Wednesday that included the expansion of free school testing programs, the mask mandate, the school board discussions,  and school sports.

Is the delta variant making younger adults ‘sicker, quicker’?
Roni Caryn Rabin, New York Times via Chicago Tribune, August 4

State offering UI saliva tests to all public K-12 schools
Ethan Simmons, Champaign News-Gazette, August 4

Area superintendents adjust on mask mandate, with changing information, governor's update
Steven Spearie, State Journal-Register, Springfield, August 4

Pritzker mask mandate for Illinois schools unlikely to quell COVID-19 battles at suburban districts
Karen Ann Cullotta, Chicago Tribune, August 4

Illinois school mask mandate 2021 includes IHSA indoor sports
Wes Huett, Peoria Journal Star/Kewanee Star Courier, August 4
 

In today’s Leading News, in response to the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19, Governor JB Pritzker announces a mask mandate for people inside school buildings, regardless of vaccination status.

Masks back in demand as Illinois announces statewide mandate in schools. ‘We are going to be selling masks like crazy.’
Lauren Zumbach, Chicago Tribune, August 4

Illinois requires school masks, some state worker vaccinations
John O'Connor AP/Decatur Herald and Review, August 4

Pritzker imposes mask mandate for Illinois schools; vaccine mandate for some state workers
John Sahly, Northwest Herald, August 4

Illinois announces new mask rules for schools as fight against COVID-19 continues
Megan Valley, Belleville News-Democrat, August 4

'Hard to disagree'; Southern Illinois leaders react to Pritzker's school mask mandate
Les O'Dell, Southern Illinoisan, Carbondale, August 4

In today’s Leading News, coronavirus variants, differing opinions, and changing guidance place further challenges on school board tables.
 
Illinois Physicians Rate COVID-19 Risk for Kids’ Daily Activities
Kristen Thometz, WTTW, Chicago, August 2
 
ISBE updates mask guidance: Everyone should wear masks
For the question of who should wear a mask, ISBE has one word: Everyone
John Sahly, Shaw Media, Northern Illinois, August 2
 
IDPH: School districts not following CDC mask guidance should consult insurance companies
Shaw Local News Network, Northern Illinois, July 26
 
Parents Call For Universal School Masking As State Education Board Adopts CDC Guidance
Peter Medlin, Northern Public Radio, DeKalb, August 2
 
Editorial: Putting schools in the middle of mask controversies
Editorial Board, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, July 31
 

In today’s Leading News, read reaction to the governor’s signing of the bill to create an elected board of education for Chicago Public Schools. Another bill allows time for special education students to finish a last year of high school. A student-run journal tackles political questions, including school board races, in Bloomington SD 87. Also in the news, Peoria Public Schools offers an international angle to addressing the teacher shortage.

Chicago is getting an elected school board. How will that work?
Tracy Swartz, Chicago Tribune, August 2

Chicago gets elected school board — Pritzker signs bill opposed by Lightfoot, looks ‘forward to ongoing conversations’ with her
Rachel Hinton, Chicago Sun-Times, July 29

Education services extended for students with special needs
CNI/Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, July 28

Bloomington High Schoolers Dive Into Local Politics With Online Journal
Ryan Denham, WGLT, Normal, July 30

Peoria Public Schools teacher shortage solved by hiring internationally
Paige Blanzy, WEEK, Peoria, July 29

In today’s Leading News, read more about the shifting sands of developing coronavirus mitigation plans in schools.
 
Pritzker ‘Looking at All Possible Mitigations;’ Masks Mandated at Driver Facilities
Jerry Nowicki, CNI/WSIU, Carbondale, July 29
 
Masks up for debate again at suburban districts after CDC calls for universal masking in schools
Karen Ann Cullotta, Chicago Tribune, July 28
 
Unit 5 To Start School Year With Universal Masking
Charlie Schlenker, WGLT, Normal, Jul 28
 
Yorkville School District 115 community forum participants split on mask policy
Lucas Robinson, Kendall County Now, July 28
 
Mask debate gets heated at Moline school board
Nicole Lauer, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, July 28