In today's Leading News, read local reporting on school district levy proposals.
Rockford Schools keeps flat tax levy
Jess Liptzin, WTVO, Rockford, November 29
Carlyle School Board approves grant for tech upgrades
Bryan Hunt, Breese Journal, November 26
Unit 5 anticipates slight decrease in tax rate, receives clean audit
Connor Wood, Bloomington Pantagraph, November 16
Arlington Heights proposes no property tax hike for fourth straight year
Christopher Placek, Daily Herald, November 15
District 280 Board reviews proposed 2022 tax levy
Mendota Reporter, November 29
Inflation, increasing labor costs impacting St. Charles School District tax levy
Eric Schelkopf, Kane County Chronicle, November 29
Rockford Schools keeps flat tax levy
Jess Liptzin, WTVO, Rockford, November 29
Carlyle School Board approves grant for tech upgrades
Bryan Hunt, Breese Journal, November 26
Unit 5 anticipates slight decrease in tax rate, receives clean audit
Connor Wood, Bloomington Pantagraph, November 16
Arlington Heights proposes no property tax hike for fourth straight year
Christopher Placek, Daily Herald, November 15
District 280 Board reviews proposed 2022 tax levy
Mendota Reporter, November 29
Inflation, increasing labor costs impacting St. Charles School District tax levy
Eric Schelkopf, Kane County Chronicle, November 29
In today’s Leading News, Illinois will conduct a national search for a state superintendent of education. School districts participate in safety training and add personnel. Glencoe SD 35 makes plans for facility improvements. Also in the news, the Quincy Herald-Whig looks across the river at the four-day week at Missouri school districts.
Gov. Pritzker will conduct national search for Illinois State Board of Education superintendent
Tiffani Jackson and Steven Spearie, State Journal-Register, November 23
Scenario training prepares local police
Daily Journal/Tiffany Blanchette, Kankakee Daily Journal, November 22
Success so far: East Dubuque pleased with start of its school resource officer program
Galena Gazette, November 22
$1.6 million contract approved to update South School in Glencoe
Daniel I. Dorfman, Pioneer Press/Glencoe News, November 15
School districts see 'positive impact' from four-day week
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, November 26
Gov. Pritzker will conduct national search for Illinois State Board of Education superintendent
Tiffani Jackson and Steven Spearie, State Journal-Register, November 23
Scenario training prepares local police
Daily Journal/Tiffany Blanchette, Kankakee Daily Journal, November 22
Success so far: East Dubuque pleased with start of its school resource officer program
Galena Gazette, November 22
$1.6 million contract approved to update South School in Glencoe
Daniel I. Dorfman, Pioneer Press/Glencoe News, November 15
School districts see 'positive impact' from four-day week
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, November 26
In today’s Leading News, Shaw Media looks at Illinois students and media literacy. Kankakee SD 111 reroutes its transportation plan. Gifford CCSD 188 rejects a policy change proposal about athletic participation for students who are transgender. Decatur SD 61 unveils plans for a new STEM academy. Also in the news, the 5% tax cap is “in play” for Illinois school districts.
Media literacy: Illinois high schools are teaching students how to spot fake news
Janelle Walker, Megann Horstead, Denise M. Baran-Unland, and Olivia Doak, Shaw Media, November 25
Kankakee School District to bring busing in house next school year
Stephanie Markham, Kankakee Daily Journal, November 28
Gifford school board rejects policy change regarding transgender athletes
Dave Hinton, Champaign News-Gazette, November 23
Board gets first look at design of new American Dreamer STEM Academy
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, November 16
Illinois school districts have option to levy with 5% tax cap for first time in 30 years
Alexandra Kukulka, Tribune News Service/Jacksonville Journal Courier, November 26
Media literacy: Illinois high schools are teaching students how to spot fake news
Janelle Walker, Megann Horstead, Denise M. Baran-Unland, and Olivia Doak, Shaw Media, November 25
Kankakee School District to bring busing in house next school year
Stephanie Markham, Kankakee Daily Journal, November 28
Gifford school board rejects policy change regarding transgender athletes
Dave Hinton, Champaign News-Gazette, November 23
Board gets first look at design of new American Dreamer STEM Academy
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, November 16
Illinois school districts have option to levy with 5% tax cap for first time in 30 years
Alexandra Kukulka, Tribune News Service/Jacksonville Journal Courier, November 26
In today’s Leading News grant funding will support clinics in Indian Prairie CUSD 4. Decatur SD 61 special education teachers discuss their roles. Districts discuss financials and propose levies. Also in the news, the Tribune and ProPublica offer assistance to student journalists covering the issue of “ticketing” in schools.
$500,000 grant helping fund free family clinics at 4 schools in Dist. 204
Kevin Schmit, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, November 17
Special education teachers short on numbers, long on job satisfaction
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, November 18
Unit 5 anticipates slight decrease in tax rate, receives clean audit
Connor Wood, Bloomington Pantagraph, November 16
Committee reviews tentative QPS levy
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, November 1
How student journalists can investigate police ticketing at high schools
Chicago Tribune, November 18
$500,000 grant helping fund free family clinics at 4 schools in Dist. 204
Kevin Schmit, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, November 17
Special education teachers short on numbers, long on job satisfaction
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, November 18
Unit 5 anticipates slight decrease in tax rate, receives clean audit
Connor Wood, Bloomington Pantagraph, November 16
Committee reviews tentative QPS levy
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, November 1
How student journalists can investigate police ticketing at high schools
Chicago Tribune, November 18
In today’s Leading News, ISBE State Superintendent of Schools Carmen Ayala is retiring in January. THSD 214 Superintendent David Schuler will depart the district to lead AASA. CPS seeks to monitor social media for signs of violence or self-harm. Legislators meet with school officials to discuss school violence concerns. Also in the news, a groundbreaking album for kids turns 50.
Illinois Superintendent of Education Carmen Ayala to retire
Nader Issa, Chicago Sun-Times, November 18
Schuler leaving District 214 to head national superintendents group
Christopher Placek, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, November 17
Chicago Public Schools is monitoring students’ social media for ‘worrisome behavior’
Mila Koumpilova, Chalkbeat Chicago, November 17
Taskforce meets in Illinois House of Representatives to discuss school violence
Carlee Bronkema, WAND, Decatur, November 17
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of 'Free To Be... You and Me'
Deena Prichep, NPR, November 21
Illinois Superintendent of Education Carmen Ayala to retire
Nader Issa, Chicago Sun-Times, November 18
Schuler leaving District 214 to head national superintendents group
Christopher Placek, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, November 17
Chicago Public Schools is monitoring students’ social media for ‘worrisome behavior’
Mila Koumpilova, Chalkbeat Chicago, November 17
Taskforce meets in Illinois House of Representatives to discuss school violence
Carlee Bronkema, WAND, Decatur, November 17
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of 'Free To Be... You and Me'
Deena Prichep, NPR, November 21
In today’s Leading News, communities and school districts aim to work for each other.
KidzPacks providing students meals for weekends, breaks
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, November 8
Students learn about the USA through comics
Murphy Obershaw, Galena Gazette, November 1
Donors, district team up on planned Urbana band room project
Jeff D’Alessio, Champaign News-Gazette, November 11
Dist. 211 College Night draws more than 1,100 students
Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, November 12
Meredosia students preparing for the future now
Shirley Bilyeu, Jacksonville Journal-Courier, November 14
Nonprofit announces expected completion date for East St. Louis subdivision with $300K homes
Lexi Cortes, Belleville News-Democrat, November 14
Shelter animals to benefit Warrensburg-Latham second graders' kindness
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, November 10
KidzPacks providing students meals for weekends, breaks
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, November 8
Students learn about the USA through comics
Murphy Obershaw, Galena Gazette, November 1
Donors, district team up on planned Urbana band room project
Jeff D’Alessio, Champaign News-Gazette, November 11
Dist. 211 College Night draws more than 1,100 students
Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, November 12
Meredosia students preparing for the future now
Shirley Bilyeu, Jacksonville Journal-Courier, November 14
Nonprofit announces expected completion date for East St. Louis subdivision with $300K homes
Lexi Cortes, Belleville News-Democrat, November 14
Shelter animals to benefit Warrensburg-Latham second graders' kindness
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, November 10
In today’s Leading News, a look at the veto session of the General Assembly. WBEZ reports on CPS staffing and enrollment. Schools seek green answers to facilities and transportation questions. Also in the news, should students carry phones in the classroom?
In year’s final session, Illinois legislators set to consider changes to SAFE-T Act but likely to leave gun control, abortion for 2023
Jeremy Gorner and Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, November 14
Staffing grows in Chicago Public Schools even while enrollment drops
Sarah Karp and Nereida Moreno, WBEZ/ Chicago Sun-Times, October 28
Green projects at schools: They teach about combating climate change and actually do it, too
Jenny Whidden, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, November 14
More electric school buses are coming, but are we ready?
Leslie Renken, Peoria Journal Star, November 4
Schools clash with parents over bans on student cellphones
Brook Schultz, AP/Report for America, Champaign News-Gazette, November 4
In year’s final session, Illinois legislators set to consider changes to SAFE-T Act but likely to leave gun control, abortion for 2023
Jeremy Gorner and Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, November 14
Staffing grows in Chicago Public Schools even while enrollment drops
Sarah Karp and Nereida Moreno, WBEZ/ Chicago Sun-Times, October 28
Green projects at schools: They teach about combating climate change and actually do it, too
Jenny Whidden, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, November 14
More electric school buses are coming, but are we ready?
Leslie Renken, Peoria Journal Star, November 4
Schools clash with parents over bans on student cellphones
Brook Schultz, AP/Report for America, Champaign News-Gazette, November 4
In today’s Leading News, DeKalb CUSD 428 proposes staffing for school security. Township HSD 211 (Palatine) makes changes to sex ed curriculum. Champaign CUSD 4 continues discussion of elementary selection. Also in the news, students and schools honor veterans.
DeKalb High School proposal would add staffer to address truancy, safety and security
Megann Horstead, DeKalb Daily Chronicle, November 3
District 211 adds topics of sexual orientation, gender identity to sex ed amid objections
Eric Peterson, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, November 11
Unit 4 extends timeline on decision to revamp elementary selection process
Jeff D’Alessio, Champaign News-Gazette, November 10
Oak Lawn veterans get a special message via a visit from schoolchildren armed with chalk and love
Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, November 10
Honoring those who served
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, November 10
DeKalb High School proposal would add staffer to address truancy, safety and security
Megann Horstead, DeKalb Daily Chronicle, November 3
District 211 adds topics of sexual orientation, gender identity to sex ed amid objections
Eric Peterson, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, November 11
Unit 4 extends timeline on decision to revamp elementary selection process
Jeff D’Alessio, Champaign News-Gazette, November 10
Oak Lawn veterans get a special message via a visit from schoolchildren armed with chalk and love
Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, November 10
Honoring those who served
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, November 10
In today’s Leading News, Springfield SD 186 and its teachers approve a contract. Jo Daviess County schools report gains on school report cards. Districts investigate and address threats and violence. Also in the news, a story of students and socks.
District 186 board of education approves contract ratified earlier by teachers union
Steven Spearie, State Journal-Register, Springfield, November 8
Jo Daviess County schools see positive results, room for improvement on report card
Elizabeth Kelsey, Telegraph Herald, Dubuque, Iowa, November 5
Student arrested in stabbing at Maroa-Forsyth High School
Scott Perry, Decatur Herald-Review, November 9
FBI assisting in investigations of threats to Urbana schools
Jeff D’Alessio, Champaign News-Gazette, November 8
Mattoon youths gather 1,756 pairs of socks for families in need
Rob Stroud, Journal Gazette and Times Courier, Charleston/Mattoon, November 7
District 186 board of education approves contract ratified earlier by teachers union
Steven Spearie, State Journal-Register, Springfield, November 8
Jo Daviess County schools see positive results, room for improvement on report card
Elizabeth Kelsey, Telegraph Herald, Dubuque, Iowa, November 5
Student arrested in stabbing at Maroa-Forsyth High School
Scott Perry, Decatur Herald-Review, November 9
FBI assisting in investigations of threats to Urbana schools
Jeff D’Alessio, Champaign News-Gazette, November 8
Mattoon youths gather 1,756 pairs of socks for families in need
Rob Stroud, Journal Gazette and Times Courier, Charleston/Mattoon, November 7
In today’s Leading News, read the reporting on school district referendum results from the November 8 election.
'We put the right plan together': Palatine District 15 bond issue with tax hike passes
Steve Zalusky, Herald, Chicago suburbs, November 9
Unit 5 referendum defeated; board to consider next steps
Connor Wood, Bloomington Pantagraph, November 9
Election 2022: Alden-Hebron referendum up, Dunham Township down as votes continue to be counted
James T. Norman, Northwest Herald. November 8
After tax hike failure, Mahomet-Seymour officials consider options
Dave Hinton, Champaign News-Gazette, November 10
Downers Grove voters overwhelmingly support District 58 referendum
Suburban Life/Shaw Local, November 9
'We put the right plan together': Palatine District 15 bond issue with tax hike passes
Steve Zalusky, Herald, Chicago suburbs, November 9
Unit 5 referendum defeated; board to consider next steps
Connor Wood, Bloomington Pantagraph, November 9
Election 2022: Alden-Hebron referendum up, Dunham Township down as votes continue to be counted
James T. Norman, Northwest Herald. November 8
After tax hike failure, Mahomet-Seymour officials consider options
Dave Hinton, Champaign News-Gazette, November 10
Downers Grove voters overwhelmingly support District 58 referendum
Suburban Life/Shaw Local, November 9
With vote tallies continuing from Tuesday’s midterm election, issues impacting public education and public service continue to make headlines.
Election door hangers attacking St. Charles school, library districts popping up around city
Eric Schelkopf, Kane County Chronicle, November 6
Nearly 3700 migrants have been bused to Chicago from Texas. 425 are school-aged children.
Becky Vevea, Chalkbeat Chicago, November 7
Routine childhood vaccinations in Illinois dropped during the pandemic, worrying pediatricians
Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, November 8
Decatur school board to release illegal closed session minutes, recordings
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, November 1
The United States of Political Violence
Vera Bergengruen, Time Magazine, November 4
Election door hangers attacking St. Charles school, library districts popping up around city
Eric Schelkopf, Kane County Chronicle, November 6
Nearly 3700 migrants have been bused to Chicago from Texas. 425 are school-aged children.
Becky Vevea, Chalkbeat Chicago, November 7
Routine childhood vaccinations in Illinois dropped during the pandemic, worrying pediatricians
Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, November 8
Decatur school board to release illegal closed session minutes, recordings
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, November 1
The United States of Political Violence
Vera Bergengruen, Time Magazine, November 4
In today’s Leading News, on Election Day, school districts anticipate referendum results. Also in the news, a Southern look at the state report card.
On suburban ballots Tuesday: Amendments, tax hikes, school projects and more
Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, November 7
Voters for, Champaign Mahomet-Seymour tax proposal reveal their reasons
Dave Hinton, Champaign News-Gazette, November 6
Batavia school voters to decide whether to borrow $140 million for new schools, other work
Susan Sarkasukas, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, November 2
Alden-Hebron schools seek $15.9 million from voters in Tuesday referendum
Janelle Walker, Shaw Local/November 3
Local schools receive Illinois Report Card scores
Les O’Dell, Southern Illinoisan, Carbondale, November 4
On suburban ballots Tuesday: Amendments, tax hikes, school projects and more
Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, November 7
Voters for, Champaign Mahomet-Seymour tax proposal reveal their reasons
Dave Hinton, Champaign News-Gazette, November 6
Batavia school voters to decide whether to borrow $140 million for new schools, other work
Susan Sarkasukas, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, November 2
Alden-Hebron schools seek $15.9 million from voters in Tuesday referendum
Janelle Walker, Shaw Local/November 3
Local schools receive Illinois Report Card scores
Les O’Dell, Southern Illinoisan, Carbondale, November 4
In today’s Leading News, authorities are gathering information on threats of violence at Urbana High School, at which classes are canceled Monday. Arrests were made after threats last week at schools in Christian County. DeKalb CUSD 428 SROs propose visibility and availability. CPS assesses a “financial cliff.” Also on the news, school districts in Illinois are closed Tuesday, November 8 for Election Day.
Multiple K9s conducting sweep of Urbana High School following phone calls detailing possible shooting, bomb threats
Jeff D’Alessio, Champaign News-Gazette, November 7
Threats against two Christian Co. schools lead to three arrests
Scott Perry, Decatur Herald and Review, November 5
DeKalb District 428’s new school resource police officers say they’re ‘visible in schools and available for the kids’
Megann Horstead, DeKalb Daily Chronicle, November 3
CPS faces $600M financial cliff as costs shift to schools with no long-term funding plan in place
Nader Issa and Fran Spielman, Chicago Sun-Times, November 6
Don’t forget: No school on Election Day this year
Emily K. Coleman, Shaw Media, Illinois, November 3
Multiple K9s conducting sweep of Urbana High School following phone calls detailing possible shooting, bomb threats
Jeff D’Alessio, Champaign News-Gazette, November 7
Threats against two Christian Co. schools lead to three arrests
Scott Perry, Decatur Herald and Review, November 5
DeKalb District 428’s new school resource police officers say they’re ‘visible in schools and available for the kids’
Megann Horstead, DeKalb Daily Chronicle, November 3
CPS faces $600M financial cliff as costs shift to schools with no long-term funding plan in place
Nader Issa and Fran Spielman, Chicago Sun-Times, November 6
Don’t forget: No school on Election Day this year
Emily K. Coleman, Shaw Media, Illinois, November 3
In today’s Leading News, Kankakee High School is planning to host a town hall meeting on racism. Prospect Heights SD 23 and the police department are taking gang activity seriously. ComEd donates electric vehicles to some Chicago high schools. Also in the news, Carrollton CUSD 1 students go online for math lessons.
Kankakee High School to host town hall meeting on racism
Stephanie Markham, Kankakee Daily Journal, November 2
Prospect Heights taking recent gang activity seriously, chief says
Eric Peterson, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, November 1
Driver’s EV: ComEd donates electric cars to handful of Chicago high schools
Andy Grimm, Chicago Sun-Times, October 28
Teacher leaves, sending Carrollton middle-school math students to online lessons
Ben Singson, Alton Telegraph, November 2
In today’s Leading News, Education Week looks at the increasing involvement of political organizations in school board elections. Eyeing higher education, the U.S. Supreme Court takes up affirmative action. Also in the news, school districts get creative with teaching and learning.
Why National Advocates Are Getting More Involved in School Board Elections
Libby Stanford, Education Week, October 31
The Supreme Court could end affirmative action in higher ed. Here’s how it might affect local schools.
Nereida Moreno, WBEZ, Chicago, October 31
Paw Paw School creates "Buddy-Up" program
Mendota Reporter, November 1
Johns Hill students learn what to flush, and what not to flush
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, October 26
Fine arts high school auditioning for students
Michael Loria, Chicago Sun-Times, October 29
Why National Advocates Are Getting More Involved in School Board Elections
Libby Stanford, Education Week, October 31
The Supreme Court could end affirmative action in higher ed. Here’s how it might affect local schools.
Nereida Moreno, WBEZ, Chicago, October 31
Paw Paw School creates "Buddy-Up" program
Mendota Reporter, November 1
Johns Hill students learn what to flush, and what not to flush
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, October 26
Fine arts high school auditioning for students
Michael Loria, Chicago Sun-Times, October 29
In today’s Leading News, reporting on two school district referendums on next week’s ballot. Also in the news, data highlight absenteeism in Illinois school districts.
Unit 5 referendum asks for fund increase; district plans overall rate decrease
Connor Wood, Bloomington Pantagraph, October 29
District 58 referendum seeks $179 million for facility improvements
Samantha Malone, Suburban Lifr/Shaw Media, November 1
Chronic absenteeism evident in Sauk Valley, but it was far worse elsewhere
Troy E. Taylor, Sauk Valley News, October 30
More staff, extra learning time help McHenry County schools recover from COVID-19
James T. Norman, Janelle Walker, Aaron Dorman, Shaw Local News Network/Daily Herald, October 30
Report Card shows chronic absenteeism is an 'alarming' trend in schools
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, October 28
Unit 5 referendum asks for fund increase; district plans overall rate decrease
Connor Wood, Bloomington Pantagraph, October 29
District 58 referendum seeks $179 million for facility improvements
Samantha Malone, Suburban Lifr/Shaw Media, November 1
Chronic absenteeism evident in Sauk Valley, but it was far worse elsewhere
Troy E. Taylor, Sauk Valley News, October 30
More staff, extra learning time help McHenry County schools recover from COVID-19
James T. Norman, Janelle Walker, Aaron Dorman, Shaw Local News Network/Daily Herald, October 30
Report Card shows chronic absenteeism is an 'alarming' trend in schools
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, October 28
In today’s Leading News, an array of national issues make local headlines. Also in the news, skydiving.
Central Illinois schools, officials encourage young people to engage with election
Connor Wood, Bloomington Pantagraph, October 29
How a national book-banning trend erupted at the Lincolnwood library, with pushback aimed at LGBTQ materials
Caroline Kubzansky and Adriana Pérez, Pioneer Press/Lincolnwood Review, November 1
Illinois school districts received billions in COVID relief funds but some are slow to spend
Mila Koumpilova and Jewél Jackson, Better Government Association/Chalkbeat Chicago, October 31
Intervention key to addressing 'alarming' rates of chronic absenteeism, educators say
Alicia Fabbre, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, October 31
Southern Illinois educators skydive with Army parachute team
Leanne Fuller, WPSD, Paducah, Kentucky, October 27
Central Illinois schools, officials encourage young people to engage with election
Connor Wood, Bloomington Pantagraph, October 29
How a national book-banning trend erupted at the Lincolnwood library, with pushback aimed at LGBTQ materials
Caroline Kubzansky and Adriana Pérez, Pioneer Press/Lincolnwood Review, November 1
Illinois school districts received billions in COVID relief funds but some are slow to spend
Mila Koumpilova and Jewél Jackson, Better Government Association/Chalkbeat Chicago, October 31
Intervention key to addressing 'alarming' rates of chronic absenteeism, educators say
Alicia Fabbre, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, October 31
Southern Illinois educators skydive with Army parachute team
Leanne Fuller, WPSD, Paducah, Kentucky, October 27
Leading News
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