In today’s Leading News, national topics carry local impact and response. 

'Gender Queer' novel's inclusion on Barrington school district reading list sparks debate
Steve Zalusky, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, June 23

Iowa and Illinois education stakeholders react after Supreme Court backs taxpayer tuition aid for religious schools
Olivia Allen, Bloomington Pantagraph, June 23

The House extended a school meal lifeline; families are now waiting on the Senate
Ximena Bustillo, NPR, June 23

LGBTQ students would get new protections under Biden plan
Collin Binkley, AP/Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, June 23

In today’s Leading News, summer learning is underway throughout the state. Also in the news, Title IX at 50.
 
Peoria students use drones during summer school
Adam Sherwinski, WMBD, Peoria, June 21
 
Far-out fun: Children explore space concepts at camp
Carol Roehm, Danville Commercial-News, June 21
 
Bloomington High School students curate University Galleries exhibit
Connor Wood, Bloomington Pantagraph, May 30
 
Title IX turns 50: Meet 50 women in Illinois who have impacted sports on — and off — the field of play
Colleen Kane, Meghan Montemurro, Julia Poe, Kori Rumore, Stacy St. Clair, Tina Akouris, and Amanda Kaschube, Chicago Tribune, June 21

In today’s Leading News, Kankakee SD 111 explores way to improve communications. Districts deal with allegations of racist comments at a suburban schools baseball game. Orion CUSD 223 is asked to allow homeschool students to participate in extracurricular activities. Also in the news, renovations are underway at Salem CHSD 600.
 
Kankakee School Board explores issues communicating district news
Stephanie Markham, Kankakee Daily Journal, June 12
 
Allegation of racist behavior at Hinsdale Central-Lyons Township baseball game ‘went beyond typical high school trash talk’
Zareen Syed, Pioneer Press, Hinsdale, June 21
 
Orion school district is asked to allow home-schoolers in sports
Lisa Hammer, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, June 16
 
Salem Community High School’s summer renovations “on schedule”
WJBD, Salem, June 21

In today’s Leading News, the U.S. Supreme Court decides against a Maine law that does not allow state funds to go to religious schools. Naperville CUSD 203’s new dress code addresses hate speech. Libraries can expect more challenges to books. Illinois schools continue to asses security in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting.
 
Supreme Court says Maine cannot deny tuition aid to religious schools
Robert Barnes, Washington Post, June 21
 
New Naperville D203 dress code lifts ban on hats, but nixes anything creating a ‘hostile, intimidating environment’
Giles Bruce, Naperville Sun, June 21
 
Illinois librarians brace for book banning efforts to ‘get a lot worse’ as challenges grow
Kelsey Landis, Belleville News-Democrat, June 25, June 17
 
Illinois school districts review safety plans after Texas shooting
Karen Ann Cullotta, Chicago Tribune, June 17

In today’s Leading News, read updates on referendums at Mahomet-Seymour CUSD 3 and Warren THSD 121. Bus companies work to bring in more drivers. Also in the news, children under 5 can now receive coronavirus vaccinations.
 
Mahomet-Seymour voters weigh plan to expand overcrowded schools, increase property taxes
Renée Cooper, WCIA, Champaign, June 20
 
School District 121 residents to vote on referendum
Lake County Journal/Shaw Local, June 18
 
Bus companies, school districts offer higher bonuses in effort to hire more drivers
Tim McNicholas, CBS Chicago, June 16
 
COVID-19 shots for Illinois’ youngest residents begin.
Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, June 20

In today’s Leading News, read about referendums in the Rockford region, understanding Juneteenth in the suburbs, and scholarships at the University of Illinois.  Also in the news, students collaborate for mental health supports in schools.

Referendum roundup: A look at local proposals that will appear on Illinois primary ballot
Jim Hagerty, Rockford Register Star, June 17

Juneteenth festivals and fun coming in suburbs, but organizers see more than celebrations
Madhu Krishnamurthy, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, June 17

UI on destination list for nonprofit-backed Chicago high school grads
Ethan Simmons, Champaign News-Gazette, June 13

Illinois teens want to hold schools accountable for taking on the teen mental health crisis
Susie An, WBEZ, Chicago, June 17

In today’s Leading News, a “mindset shift” in CPS as it employs fewer police officers. A community works to save a school garden damaged by acts of vandalism. The Register-News looks at a school’s last days. Also in the news, the “Price Kids Pay” series by the Tribune and ProPublica continues, with a case in the courts.

As cops leave the Chicago Public Schools, a new model of resolving conflicts takes shape
Nader Issa and Sarah Karp, Chicago Sun-Times, June 16

Washington Elementary seeks plants to rebuild garden
Connor Wood, Bloomington Pantagraph, June 14

From Mr. Bob & Mr. Bill, to PE uniforms, to first dances: Curtain closes on Churchill
Mike Trueblood, Galesburg Register-Mail, June 10

A teen was ticketed at Naperville North for theft. 30 months later, she’s still fighting to clear her name.
Jennifer Smith Richards and Jodi S. Cohen, Chicago Tribune, June 16
 

In today's Leading News, CPS reports last year’s coronavirus numbers, and with summer underway, testing is on the table on other districts for next school year.

CPS ends school year with 22,000 student COVID-19 cases; CTU says safety measures should remain in the fall
Tracy Swartz, Chicago Tribune, June 15

How should families navigate COVID during the summer?
F. Amanda Tugade, Wednesday Journal, June 14

Free SHIELD testing to again be available to public schools statewide
Debra Pressey, Champaign News-Gazette, June 14

Illinois schools urged to resume COVID-19 saliva screenings in the fall
Karen Ann Cullotta, Chicago Tribune, June 14
 

In today’s Leading News, a look at the bills signed into law – so far – after the legislative session. Champaign CUSD 4 will take class time off on Mondays for teacher professional development. Woodstock CUSD 200 discusses busses. After at times heated comment, Community High SD 99  (Downers Grove) votes to keep a book on gender identity in its libraries. Also in the news, Quincy SD 172 offers information to aspiring teachers.

Here are some of the more than 400 bills signed into law and there's more to go
Jerry Nowicki, CNI/ State Journal-Register, Springfield, June 1

Champaign school district to have 'early out' days for teacher development on Mondays
Ethan Simmons, Champaign News-Gazette, June 13

Used buses working for District 200
Larry Lough, Woodstock Independent, June 6

Suburban Chicago school board keeps ‘Gender Queer’ book that conservative parents, Proud Boys wanted banned
Nader Issa, Chicago Sun-Times, June 11

QPS plans competency based education presentation
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, June 11

In today’s Leading News, read about school governance and student health decisions in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Decatur Board of Education drops pandemic provision for written comments at meetings
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, June 9

Schools explore options to keep feeding kids for free as federal waivers end
Stephanie Markham, Kankakee Daily Journal, June 11

School administrators recognize need for social-emotional learning
Dylan Smith, WGEM, Quincy, June 9

More states are allowing students to take mental health days off
Giles Bruce, National Public Radio, June 10

Marathon US hearings to decide fate of COVID shots for tots
Lauran Neergaard, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, June 10

In today’s Leading News, students discover post-high school opportunities. A report finds athletic participation is positive for mental health; but most sports need officials.
Also in the news, Sycamore students start summer with science.

CPS grad forgoing scholarship money to continue training as a welder: ‘College isn’t for everyone’
Tracy Swartz, Chicago Tribune, June 6

Springfield School District 186 programs prepare students for life after graduation
Royale Bonds, State Journal-Register, Springfield, June 1

Children playing sports less likely have mental health issues
Dominic Genetti, Alton Telegraph, June 7

The IHSA needs officials. This pair from Peoria is doing something about it
Steve Stein, Peoria Journal Star, May 24

Sycamore Middle School girls’ club plants garden on school grounds to improve water retention
David Petesch, DeKalb Daily Chronicle/Shaw Media, June 1

In today’s Leading News, reporting continues on the impacts of coronavirus on students. The Washington Post books section delves into the rise in book bans and challenges. WSIU covers the new law that could include gun storage safety in the curriculum. Also in the news, read about legal gambling and its impacts in Illinois.

COVID-19 didn’t leave kids unscathed
Denise M. Baran-Unland, Joliet Herald-News/Shaw Media, June 7

'Surreal and bittersweet': Galesburg High School seniors reflect on pandemic experience
Samuel Lisec, Galesburg Register-Mail, May 27

The rise in book bans, explained
Angela Haupt, Washington Post, June 9

Safe gun storage can soon be added to existing safety education instruction in Illinois schools
Brad Palmer, WSIU, Carbondale, June 8

Gamblers' sports betting losses generate $122 million for Illinois in two years
Jake Griffin, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, May 23

In today’s Leading News, two weeks after the school shooting tragedy in Uvalde, Texas, local schools and their communities continue the school safety and security discussion. Also in the news, the State Journal-Register reports on missed school inspections by State Fire Marshal.
 
Madison County summit addresses gun violence in schools
Deion Broxton, KMOV, St. Louis, June 7
 
Quad-Cities police train to deal with active shooters
Anthony Watt, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, June 3
 
‘Our schools are a place where kids should be safe:’ faith leaders, community decry gun violence, call for peace in streets during downtown Chicago prayer walk
Shanzeh Ahmad. Chicago Tribune, May 28
 
City council unanimously approves Urbana SRO program
Ethan Simmons, Champaign News-Gazette, June 6
 
Illinois officials didn't inspect one-third of schools from 2017-2021, risking student safety
Andrew Adams, State Journal-Register, Springfield, June 7

In today’s Leading News, two downstate communities continue discussions on reorganization. Golf SD 67 in Morton Grove seeks voter approval of a referendum. School security conversations continue statewide. Also in the news, rock on, Illinois.

Sorento parents seeking split from school district to save elementary school from closing permanently
KSDK, St. Lous, June 3

Local school district explores potential reorganization options
WSIL, Carterville, June 7

Morton Grove school district asks voters for $56 million due to growth; average homeowner would pay $914 more
George Castle, Pioneer Press/Morton Grove, June 1

Quad-Cities police train to deal with active shooters
Anthony Watt, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, June 3

'A very cool rock': How suburban kids made dolostone Illinois' state rock
Marni Pyke, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, June 6

In today’s Leading News, dress codes, pandemic response, English Language learning, and broadband expansion. Also in the news, Kirby Elementary SD 140 seeking voter approval for a new school.

No hoodies. No do-rags. No spaghetti straps. In Chicago Public Schools, dress codes leave many students feeling slighted.
Emily Hoerner, Chicago Tribune Nay 26

Pandemic pushed some parents to homeschool elementary age children
Hannah Donsbach, Galesburg  Register-Mail, May 27

Meeting needs of English language learners
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, May 28

Champaign County seeking public input on broadband expansion
Debra Pressey, Champaign News-Gazette, May 29

Home rule on June 28 ballot in Matteson while Tinley Park school district seeks OK to build new school
Mike Nolan, Daily Southtown, Chicago and suburbs, June 3
 

In today’s Leading News, WBEZ looks at school violence prevention statewide, and local media reports on local safety and security efforts. Also in the news, Oak Park-River Forest HSD 200 copes with a false and viral story.

Active shooter drills, yes. Cameras, no. Here’s what Illinois mandates for safety in schools.
Lisa Philip, WBEZ, Chicago, June 2

Rock Falls superintendent asks: Are we the safest we can be?
Troy E. Taylor, Sauk Valley News/Shaw Media, May 29

Texas tragedy colors local conversation around police in schools
Ethan Simmons, Champaign News-Gazette, May 29

CPS to tighten school security in wake of Texas school massacre, CEO says
Fran Spielman, Nader Issa, Chicago Sun-Times, May 27

Race, politics and misinformation combine as false story about Oak Park and River Forest High School grading goes viral
John Keilman, Chicago Tribune, June 3

In today’s Leading News, Illinois schools and communities aim to meet the needs of all students.
 
Report outlines District 91 policies for helping vulnerable, struggling students
Igor Studenkov, Forest Park Review, May 31
 
A new school opening this fall will serve students who have been hospitalized or homebound for mental health issues
Lyndsay Jones, WGLT, Normal, May 31
 
New group at QJHS reminds students that words hurt
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, May 31
 
Protesters call on Batavia school district to speed up anti-discrimination, inclusivity work
Susan Sarkauskas, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, May 24
 
Central School students in Ottawa plant ‘unified garden,’ with help from community
Ottawa Times/Shaw Media, May 28

In today’s Leading News, read local coverage of school district funding and finance.

Mahomet-Seymour's $97.9 million schools referendum a hot topic
Dave Hinton, Champaign News-Gazette, May 28

Q&A: What to know about Unit 5's deficit conversations
Connor Wood, Bloomington Pantagraph, May 31

Dist. 34 Selling Bonds Early As Inflation Looms
Tom Robb, Journal and Topics, Chicago suburbs, May 26

District 204 officials looking at grants to plug budget holes
Kevin Schmit, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, May 24

Chicago aldermen grill CPS officials as new budget figures are released: ‘Why are we cutting positions in schools?’
Tracy Swartz, Chicago Tribune, May 20