In today’s Leading News, response and reaction to gun violence, possession, and threats in schools.

‘The drills worked.’ St. Louis officials laud police, school response during shooting
Kim Bell , Daniel Neman, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, October 26

Texas revamps ‘active-shooter’ drills at K-12 schools to minimize trauma
Renuka Rayasam and Colleen DeGuzman, Kaiser Health News, Chicago Tribune, October 26

Two students arrested at Belleville East High School with a gun and ammunition
Carolyn P Smith, Belleville News-Democrat, October 25

Student charged with making threat that caused lockdown at Antioch Community High School
Doug T. Graham, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, October 25

Police, Lake Forest High officials investigating discovery of bullet, swastika graffiti and student watching weapons video
Daniel I. Dorfman, Pioneer Press/Lake Forester, October 11
 

In today’s Leading News, a teacher and a student died in a shooting at a magnet school in St. Louis. CPS seeks to take over a charter school with a troubled administrative history. The Kankakee SD 111 school board has approved the firing of a teacher accused of making a racial slur. Also in the news, national test scores fall under “Covid’s devastating toll.”

Three dead including teen and suspect in shooting at St. Louis high school, police say
Mike Stunson Belleville News-Democrat, October 24

St. Louis school shooting survivors push for change during vigil
Taylor Tiamoyo Harris, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, October 26

Lauded all-boys charter school faces Chicago Public Schools takeover
Sarah Karp. Chicago Sun-Times, October 24

KSD school board unanimously fires teacher recorded using racial slur
Stephanie Markham, Kankakee Daily Journal, October 24

‘Nation’s Report Card’ says math and reading scores plummeted during the pandemic, showing Covid’s devastating toll on students
Ray Sanchez, CNN, October 24
 

In today’s Leading News, the Illinois education community draws lessons from incidents and works towards student health, safety, and security.

Illinois Management Emergency Agency celebrates 1-year anniversary of Safe2Help program
WAND, Decatur, October 20

Wethersfield to partner with other districts in event of emergency
Dave Clarke, Kewanee Star Courier, October 21

'They don't want this stuff out in the public': Fights, teacher assault up safety concerns
Steven Spearie, State Journal-Register, October 5

Michigan teen pleads guilty to school shooting that killed 4 students
Corey Williams and Mike Householder, Associated Press, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argis. October 24

Online school put US kids behind. Some adults have regrets.
Bianca Vázquez Toness and Jocelyn Gecker, AP, Belleville News-Democrat, October 21
 

In today’s Leading News, boundaries, bargaining, and building. Also in the news, media and manufacturing.

Community members hold Unit 4's demography consultants' 'feet to the fire' in Tuesday meeting
Anthony Zilis, Champaign News-Gazette, October 19

No deal yet between Springfield school district and teachers; next session set for Oct. 26
Steven Spearie, State Journal-Register, Springfield, October 19

Pana breaks ground for new elementary school
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, October 19

Not your traditional libraries: District 21 unveils new school media centers
Christopher Placek, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, October 13

College Express students tour local industries
Danville Commercial News, October 15
 

In today’s Leading News, education leaders anticipate the release of the 2022 Illinois School Report Card. A Washington Post analysis looks at coronavirus rates and what underlies the trends. Villa Park’s SD 45 receives OMA ruling. Negotiations continue with Tuscola CUSD 301 and its paraprofessional staff. Also in the news, Kate County sheriff candidates talk safety and security.

'We are absolutely on the right track': Illinois' top education official says student growth rebounded to pre-pandemic levels
Peter Medlin, Northern Public Radio, DeKalb, October 19

Whites now more likely to die from covid than Blacks: Why the pandemic shifted
Akilah Johnson and Dan Keating , Washington Post, October 19

Judge rules Villa Park school board violated Open Meetings Act
Susan Sarkauskas, Daily Herald, October 19

Tuscola paraprofessionals to attend school board meeting as contract talks continue
Dave Hinton, Champaign News-Gazette, October 19

Kane County sheriff's candidates outline plans to deal with school safety and staffing
Alicia Fabbre, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, October 13

In today’s Leading News, read about origins of Illinois’ media literacy law. A proposed development raises questions about traffic near U-46 school. A family challenges IHSA call on transfer eligibility.  Also in the news, students and board members learn about how the wheels on the bus go.

Media literacy class teaching high school kids to separate fact from ‘fake’ now mandatory thanks to Naperville grad
Suzanne Baker, Naperville Sun, October 14

Elgin developments would double traffic near Otter Creek Elementary School
James Fuller, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, October 7

Bullied at Peoria school, he transferred. Now his mom is suing over football eligibility
Andy Kravetz, Peoria  Journal Star, October 5

Preschoolers get hands-on experience with DMT
Danville Commercial News, October 16

Teutopolis School Board Hears from Bus Drivers, Discusses Softball Accommodations
Greg Sapp, WXEF, Effingham, October 18
 

In today’s Leading News, a look at education news making headlines in Illinois’ neighbor states.

Headcounts drop in Wisconsin public schools, more students use vouchers for private schools, new data shows
Rory Linnane, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, October 14

Radioactive waste found inside elementary school, on playground, Missouri report says
Mike Stunson, Belleville News-Democrat, October 17

East Chicago teacher arrested, facing ‘kill list’ threat allegations
Carole Carlson, Northwest Indiana Post-Tribune, October `14

KY state testing data show medium results across schools. Leaders say ‘there is no quick fix’
Lexington Herald-Leader October 18

Details emerge from summer cybersecurity breach in eastern Iowa
KCCI, Des Moines, October 11
 

In today’s Leading News, read concerning news about national ACT scores. CUSD 308 (Oswego) takes a look at student fees. Palatine CCSD 15 voters learn about the district’s November referendum. Rochelle CCSD 231 applies a HUB grant. Also in the news, “bizarre and confusing” and it’s not true.
 
ACT test scores drop to lowest in 30 years in pandemic slide
Cheyanne Mumphrey, Associated Press/Chicago Tribune, October 12

As a result of $1.2 million owed and a promise, Oswego SD 308 to reconsider all student fees
Mark Harrington, WSPY, Plano, October 14

Why District 15 is seeking $93 million from voters in November
Steve Salusky, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, October 14

Elementary board: HUB Program funding received
Jeff Helfrich, Rochelle News-Leader, October 14

How an urban myth about litter boxes in schools became a GOP talking point
Tyler Kingkade, Ben Goggin, Ben Collins and Brandy Zadrozny, NBC News, October 15

In today’s Leading News, the Tribune previews the release of the Illinois School Report Card. Student Cooper Roberts, who experienced severe injuries in the Highland Park shooting, is back at school. A Quincy conference brings inspiration to educators. A Sptingfield educator and school board member is remembered for his generosity. Also in the news, notable education leaders meet for a televised special.

Students rebounded in academic growth on 2022 Illinois Report Card; school ratings return
Karen Ann Cullotta, Chicago Tribune, October 12

Highland Park shooting victim Cooper Roberts returns to school
Brett Chase, Chicago Sun-Times, October 10

Educators find new ideas, rejuvenation at Quincy Conference
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, October 7

Mike Zimmers 'always wanted the best for kids and schools in this community'
Steven Spearie, State Journal-Register, Springfield, October 14

Champaign, Danville, and Urbana school leaders address shortages, safety, and breaking barriers in TV special
Reginald Hardwick, Illinois Newsroom, October 13
 

In today’s Leading News, Hillsboro CUSD 3 strategizes. Wheeling CCSD 21 sets a course for English Learners. Dixon schools consider solar. The family of a student injured at a Rockford SD 205 school in an incident with a Rockford police officer has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit. Also in the news, a playground expansion draws unwanted attention.

Hillsboro School Board Reviews Five-Year Plan
Mike Plunkett, Hillsboro Journal News, October 13

District 21 seeks to expand language services for newcomers
Madhu Krishnamurthy, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, October 10

Dixon Public Schools mulling offer to install solar panels; could save it nearly $2M over 25 years
Troy E. Taylor, Sauk Valley News, October 6

Lawyer: Rockford student body slammed by cop in school hallway has brain damage
Jeff Kolkey, Rockford Register Star, October 13

Orland Park school playground noise prompted neighbors to blast loud, vulgar music as parents complain
Jeremont Terry, WBBM, Chicago, October 11

In today’s Leading News, it’s International Walk to School Day. An NIU study looks at a rural high school deactivation. Peoria Public Schools reflect on gifted programs in the district. Mahaomet-Seymour aims to educate its community on a further referendum try. Also in the news, omnia mutantur, Naperville CUSD 203 considers its Latin program.

Illinois schools to celebrate International Walk to School Day
Olivia Allen, Quad City Times, October 4

A rural Illinois high school was deactivated.
A study asks those students if they're satisfied at their new school.
Peter Medlin, Northern Public Radio, DeKalb, October 6

From 1966 to now, Peoria's gifted program a continuing success in education
Leslie Renken, Peoria Journal Star, October 11

Mahomet-Seymour open houses to explain need for tax increase
Dave Hinton, Champaign News-Gazette, October 5

District 203 considering dropping Latin as high school course offering
Kevin Schmit, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, October 5

In today’s Leading News, signs of the times.

A Swatting Spree Is Terrorizing Schools Across the US
Dhruv Mehrotra, Wired, October 6

Handle with Care allows Elgin police to interact with schools when a child experiences a traumatic situation
Mike Danahey, Elgin Courier-News, October 6

Demand soars for kids' books addressing violence, trauma
Claire Savage, AP/Report for America, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, October 11

Wall Street Journal mischaracterizes Decatur schools as 'failing,' officials say
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, October 7

University of Illinois, IDPH team up to test school wastewater for COVID-19, flu
Jackie Kostek, CBS, Chicago, September 30

In today’s Leading News, Mahomet-Seymour CUSD 3 reaches a contract agreement with its teachers. East Dubuque Unit SD 119 assesses SEL support programs. Districts south and north look to make a career impact. Also in the news, nominations are open for the Burroughs Award for school board member excellence.

Mahomet-Seymour board, employees agree to new contract
Dave Hinton, Champaign News-Gazette, October 5

ED School Board learns about new high school program
Galena Gazette, September 27

Southern Illinois high school students explore construction careers
Les O’Dell, Southern Illinoisan, Carbondale, September 27

Districts 211, 214, 220 take lead in state's new college, career preparation program
Eric Peterson, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, September 29

Nominations sought for state’s best school board members
Shaw Local News Network, Sauk Valley News, September 30
 

In today’s Leading News, buildings and grounds work makes local headlines. Also in the news, read about viewpoints on the November 8 state ballot question on enshrining unions and collective bargaining into the Illinois Constitution.

Alumni get a last look at Maroa-Forsyth building before demolition
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, October 4

'There’s no standing around' for Wethersfield's carpentry students
Dave Clarke, Kewanee Star Courier, October 5

Fake coyotes keep things from getting ugly at Ottawa High School, scare geese away
Michael Urbanec, Ottawa Times, October 4

Maintaining Baldwin Pond a challenge for QPS
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, September 24

'Right to unionize’ amendment on Nov. 8 ballot
Peter Hancock CNI/Edwardsville Intelligencer, October 5

In today’s Leading News, the person who brought a gun to the Dixon High School graduation practice and fired at a teacher SRO in 2017 was sentenced Tuesday on two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm. Decatur SD 61 reviews an OMA finding. Champaign CUSD 4 is reworking elementary school enrollment plans. A Bunker Hill CUSD 8 program offers national perspectives. Also in the news, Galena USD 120 student leadership meets with the board of education.

Dixon school shooter gets 30 years, must serve 85%
Kathleen A. Schultz, Sauk Valley News, October 4

Decatur Public Schools reviewing Open Meetings Act violation ruling
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, October 3

The future of Unit 4 elementary selection: 20 things we know (so far)
Jeff D’Alessio, Champaign News-Gazette, October 1

Bunker Hill part of federal education summit
Alton Telegraph, October 3

Student leadership council works to bridge gaps
Murphy Obershaw, Galena Gazette, September 27

In today’s Leading News, funding equity questions continue in Illinois. With coronavirus data reportedly the most favorable in months, school districts anticipate the annual report card with the continuing impacts of COVID. Flanagan-Cornell Unit District 74 is full STEAM ahead. Also in the news, candidates prepare for April’s school board elections.

Illinois criticized over funding equity for low-income schools
Karen Ann Cullotta, Chicago Tribune, October 3

No Illinois counties at High Community Level for COVID-19
Sean Crawford, NPR Illinois, September 30

Waukegan officials not sure what to expect from post-pandemic state school ratings; ‘I don’t know what these are going to look like’
Steve Sadin, Lake County News-Sun, September 28

Flanagan-Cornell schools STEAM ahead toward career prep
Connor Wood, Bloomingtin Pantagraph, October 1

Coles County school board candidate paperwork available
Rob Stroud, Journal Gazette and Times Courier, Charleston/Mattoon, September 26

In today’ Leading News, Illinois school districts approve budgets and consider expenses.

Yorkville School District Y115′s budget is growing: Board OKs $91M spending plan
Mark Foster, Kendall County Now, September 30

Bement School Board approves budget
Kevin Barlow, Piatt County Journal Republican, September 28

School board approves FFA travel
Carol Hicks, Danville Commercia News, October 1

Centralia High Board passes balanced budget, talks solar and appoints new board member
WJBD, Salem, September 27

Champaign schools: Boozer gets salary bump, district sells surplus Chromebook carts to Mahomet-Seymour, Urbana
Jeff D’Alessio, Champaign News-Gazette, September 23