In today’s Leading News, does Illinois nearly have a state budget? How would extending the federal debt ceiling concern public schools? St. Charles CUSD 303 looks at repurposing facilities, and O’Fallon CCSD 90 seeks fees for facility use. Also in the news, children in immigrant residences enroll at CPS for the final weeks of the term.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Democratic legislative leaders herald budget deal, but day ends without a vote
Dan Petrella, Jeremy Gorner and Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, May 24

‘So Catastrophic': How a Debt Ceiling Breach Would Hurt Schools
Mark Lieberman, Education Week, May 17

District 303 weighs repurposing elementary school buildings
David Petesch, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, May 23

O’Fallon school district will levy fee to city for its use of gyms, athletic fields
Lynn Venhaus, O’Fallon Progress, May 17

Dozens of new immigrants joining Chicago Public Schools as school year nears end
Michael Loria, Chicago Sun-Times, May 22
 

In today’s Leading News, more education-related bills continue to work their ways through the General Assembly to the Governor. School districts keep an eye on ongoing taxation issues. Also in the news, more Illinois students take AP courses.

Full-day kindergarten could soon be required in all Illinois districts as bill heads to Pritzker’s desk
Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, May 23

Native American history, ride-share regulation measures clear Illinois General Assembly
Nika Schoonover, CNI/Galesburg Register-Mail, May 22

Southern Illinois school district asking state for funding after company refuses to pay property tax
Paul Wilcoxen, WSIL, Carbondale, May 22

Longtime Carle property-tax lawsuit now awaiting higher court's decision
Debra Pressey, Champaign News-Gazette, May 17

Advanced Placement (AP) course participation is growing faster in Illinois than in any other state
Peter Medlin, Northern Public Radio, May 15
 

In today’s Leading News, the News-Gazette opens a series on local government with the question of compensation for school board members. Chalkbeat looks at what’s next for literacy in Illinois. Teutopolis CUSD 50 slides the scale. Libertyville HS students get outside. Also in the news, the U.S. Department of Education revises guidance on prayer and religious expression in public schools.

Meeting Minutes & More: Is it time to reconsider compensation for school board members?
Jeff D'Alessio, Champaign News-Gazette, May 19

Illinois set to roll out a new literacy plan aimed at changing how students are taught to read
Samantha Smylie, Chalkbeat Chicago, May 19

Unit 50 opts for new grading scale
Cathy Griffith, Effingham Daily News May 19

Butler Lake gives extra education for Libertyville high schoolers
Dale Bowman, Chicago Sun-Times, May 19

The Department of Education updates guidance on public school prayer
Jason DeRose, NPR, May 16
 

In today’s Leading News, what’s next for the General Assembly and Governor? Springfield SD 186 will reconsider a school site. Also in the news, the Sun-Times looks at CPS school closings 10 years later.

As leaders extend session with budget unfinished, several sweeping last-minute bills surface
Hannah Meisel, Jerry Nowicki, Nika Schoonover, Peter Hancock, CNU/Northern Public Radio, May 22

As budget negotiations continue, Pritzker announces launch of stalled tax incentive program
Jerry Nowicki, CNI/ State Journal-Register, Springfield, May 18

Native American history would be latest public schools requirement under bill Gov. J.B. Pritzker expected to sign
Hank Sanders, Chicago Tribune, May 18

District won't consider 11th Street property to build new elementary school
Steven Spearie, State Journal-Register, Springfield, May 16

Chicago closed 50 public schools 10 years ago. Did the city keep its promises?
Sarah Karp, Nader Issa, Lauren FitzPatrick and Alden Loury, Chicago Sun-Times, May 18
 

In today’s Leading News, the legislature looks at overtime as education-related bills remain in the mix. Also in the news, advice extrapolated from this week’s headlines includes see yourself, be yourself, express yourself, and make your free throws.

Illinois lawmakers advance bills mandating salary transparency, community college credit parity
Hannah Meisel and Andrew Adams, CNI/Shaw Media, May 17

Baldwin students can 'see themselves' in new mural
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, May 18

Dist. 203 student advisory council's advice: Be yourself
Kevin Schmit, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, May 17

‘Do the Write Thing:’ Middle schoolers write about violence in their communities
Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, May 12

Illinois is changing the free throw rules in high school basketball. Here's why
Dave Eminian, Peoria Journal Star, May 15
 

In today’s Leading News, students are earning associates degrees and high school diplomas together, and it’s a trend that’s expected to continue. Also in the news, THSD 214’s Buffalo Grove High School community mourns students killed in a crash; the school buildings are closed due to a fire but open so students can meet with counselors.

More than 20 Woodstock students graduate with associates degree as part of dual degree program
James T. Norman, Northwest Herald, Chicago suburbs, May 14

Vienna students jumpstart their futures by earning associate degrees before high school graduation
Carly O'Keefe, KFVS, Cape Girardeau, Missouri,  May 17

Dual credit is growing & blurring the line between high school and higher ed
Peter Medlin, Northern Public Radio, DeKalb, May 16

'He was a good kid, a great kid': Families, friends mourn Buffalo Grove High students killed in crash
Russell Lissau, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, May 17

Buffalo Grove High School will remain closed Thursday as result of fire
Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, May 17
 

In today’s Leading News, schools deal with things not allowed in schools. Districts team up to provide necessary supplies. Also in the news, read about a study into factors affecting COVID “learning loss.”

Metro-east teacher charged after allegedly possessing handgun on campus, records state
Carolyn P. Smith, Belleville News-Democrat, May 15

St. Charles middle school students, staff member sent home after eating marijuana chocolates
David Petesch, Kane County Chronicle, May 15

Elgin News Digest: Free school supplies for K-6 students at U-46 schools…
Mike Danahey, Elgin Courier-News, May 13

Library, school in Evergreen Park unite behind effort to fight period poverty
Susan DeGrane, Daily Southtown, Chicago and suburbs, May 10

COVID learning loss driven more by school and community factors than household ones, research finds
Kalyn Belsha, Chalkbeat, May 12
 

In today’s Leading News, legislation – passed and pending – impacts schools and school-aged students.

QPS looks at policy changes tied to new state law
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, May 9

Southland high school officials differ on level of state guidance needed for defibrillator training, availability
Alexandra Kukulka, Daily Southtown, Chicago and suburbs, May 15

Child social media stars have few protections. Illinois aims to fix that
Claire Savage, AP/Report for America, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, May 14

Louie's Law passes state House, on way to Pritzker's desk
Steve Zalusky, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs May 14

Illinois passes bill to ensure community college credits transfer to public universities
John Clark, WTVO, Rockford, May 15
 

In today’s Leading News, a take a look at the upcoming week for the General Assembly. Dixon Unit SD 170 seeks space for a therapeutic center. Also in the news, student mental health is part of national  and local conversations.

Budget, Bears, Chicago school board and ethics: Illinois legislators face busy agenda in spring session’s final week
Jeremy Gorner and Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, May 15

Lawmakers propose making full-day kindergarten state requirement
Julia Rosier, WICS, Springfield, May 10

Dixon school board to vote on $300,000 for Nachusa site to create therapeutic center
Troy E. Taylor, Sauk Valley News, May 10

Students are increasingly refusing to go to school. It’s becoming a mental health crisis.
Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, May 15

Lake Villa school superintendent and her big, fluffy emotional support dog ending 7-year run
Mick Zawislak, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, May 10
 

In today’s Leading News, with emergency orders ending, Illinois looks back on COVID response. CPS’s proposed school board election map continues to undergo scrutiny. Students at Woodstock CUSD 200 build for the future. Mattoon CUSD 3 bids farewell to longtime board member Michelle Skinlo. Also in the news, shool security on election day is the topic of an investigative report by NBC 5 Chicago

Pritzker reflects on three years of pandemic as disaster declarations end
Peter Hancock, CNI/Galesburg Register-Mail, May 11

Critics of the draft voting map for Chicago’s elected school board want a do-over
Nereida Moreno, WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times,  May 9

Woodstock 200′s program teaches students construction through building houses
James T. Norman, Northwest Herald, May 9

Michelle Skinlo concludes 32 years on Mattoon school board
Rob Stroud, Journal Gazette and Times Courier, Charleston/Mattoon, May 10

Hundreds of Normally-Secure Illinois Schools Required to Allow Everyone in on Election Days
Patrick Fazio and Katy Smyser, NBC 5 Chicago, May 9
 

In today’s Leading News, read more on the issue of lead in the water supply in schools. The Waukegan community mourns a school employee killed in a shooting. Families pursue a future with CPS for a charter school operator closure. Quincy SD 172 plans its course. Also in the news, Shaw Media reports on the state of teaching.

Illinois public school find lead in its water? Look up results here
Emily Hoerner, Chicago Tribune, May 7

Waukegan coach remembered as ‘shoulder her friends could lean on’; mayor calls her fatal shooting ‘senseless and stupid’
Clifford Ward, Lake County News-Sun, May 8

Hope Learning Academy parents push CPS to keep their school open after independent operator announces it will shut down: ‘We’re family’
Sarah Macaraeg, Chicago Tribune, May 8

QPS developing strategic plan to meet needs 'on the horizon'
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, May 9

Professional development helps teachers and students
Steve Stein, Shaw Media, May 4

 

In today’s Leading News, it’s “a warning bell,” as the Boston Globe reports a on the state of local elections featuring the Barrington CUSD 220 school bord race. The Associated Press reports on comparisons in inclusivity. Shiloh CUSD 1 plans summer tutoring. Bourbonnais SD 53 seeks a new after-school care program. Also in the news, Geneva CUSD 304 approves donations.

How a school board race in the blue state of Illinois became a nationally funded cage match
Tal Kopan, Boston Globe, May 6

Illinois moves toward gender inclusivity as others move away
Claire Savage, AP/Rockford Register-Star, May 9

Shiloh offers summer tutoring
Bryce Gladding, Prairie Press, Paris, May 8

Bourbonnais schools look to replace BTPD childcare program
Stephanie Markham Kankakee Daily Journal, April 29

Geneva D-304 board accepts more than $26K in financial gifts
Brenda Schory, Kane County Chronicle, May 9
 

In today’s Leading News, the Chicago Tribune reports on data found via  Illinois’ lead reporting law. Rad about public comment at Thornton-Fractional THSD 215. School districts look at the State Seal of Biliteracy. CPS’s proposed school board map gets a first viewing. Also in the news, Decatur holds its workforce signing day.

An Illinois law required schools to test water for lead. They found it all over the state.
Emily Hoerner, Chicago Tribune, May 7

Understanding the public comments at District 215’s April 25 school board meeting
Melanie Jongsma, Lansing Journal, May 5

State Seal of Biliteracy, which goes on diplomas, helps open doors for graduating high schoolers: ‘This is a big deal’
Michelle Mullins, Daily Southtown, Chicago and suburbs, May 3

Illinois lawmakers release first draft of Chicago’s elected school board map
Becky Vevea, Chalkbeat Chicago, May 6

Career Signing Day celebrates Decatur students in workforce training
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, May 3
 

In today’s Leading News, tech talk and social media make national education headlines. Putnam County schools discuss special education program offerings. A Geneva principal rolls for reading. Also in the news, still a threat, but not currently an emergency: WHO reclassifies COVID-19.

Environmental, financial concerns flagged over Chromebook lifespans
Anna Merod, EdDive, May 1

Facebook misled parents, failed to protect privacy of children using its Messenger Kids app, FTC says
Barbara Ortutay. AP/Chicago Tribune, May 3

Putnam County School District to host timely and meaningful consultation meeting May 18
Shaw Local News/LaSalle News-Tribune, May 3

Geneva principal rides trike to reward readers
Brenda Schory, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, April 30

WHO downgrades COVID pandemic, says it's no longer emergency
Maria Cheng and Jamey Keaten, AP/Southern Illinoisan, Carbondale, May 5
 

In today’s Leading News, a bill banning book banning heads to Governor Pritzker’s desk. Also in the news, school districts cope with incidents and threats to student safety.

Illinois bill targeting book bans heads to governor's desk
Erin Henkel, Bloomington Pantagraph, May 3

Bill aimed at deterring library book bans heads to Gov. J.B. Pritzker after party-line vote in Senate
Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, May 4

Police investigating noose found on tree outside Naperville middle school
Suzanne Baker, Naperville Sun, April 28

Another 'swatting' threat leads to evacuation of Glenbard West High School
Katlyn Smith, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, May 3

Mundelein High School participates in pilot program to prevent human trafficking
Mick Zawislak, the Daily Herald, April 20
 

In today’s Leading News, students look at options for after high school. Quincy SD 172 eyes a new K-5 curriculum for ELA and math. DeKalb CUSD 428 considers a contract for crossing guards. The Rockford Register Star continues coverage of a use-of-force incident at a Rockford SD 205 school. Also in the news, Chicago families seek solutions to a proposed school closing.

Southland high schools move to help students sample options for college, trade school or workforce
Alexandra Kukulka, Daily Southtown, Chicago and suburbs, April 25

QPS looks to pilot new K-5 language arts, math curriculum
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, April 29

Crossing guard contract for DeKalb schools due for extension, pay increase says Aurora-based staff provider
Megan Horstead, DeKalb Daily Chronicle, April 23

Prosecutors hired noted police defender to clear Rockford cop
Jeff Kolkey, Rockford Register Star, May 3

Chicago families plead for a second chance for Hope Institute Learning Academy, which is set to close
Sarah Karp, WBEZ, Chicago, April 26
 

In today’s Leading News, there might be a change of plans in Springfield SD 186. Belleville SD 118 and local officials investigate a gun carried on a junior high campus. Wheaton Warrenville CUSD 200 agrees to a teachers contract. A family seeks answers to a residency issue in Dunlap CUSD 323 and Peoria Public Schools. Also in the news, Sullivan CUSD 300 students experience the art and science of research.

Scuttled school plan? District focused on building purchase at old Fiat Allis site
Steven Spearie, State Journal-Register, Springfield, May 1

Belleville school employee charged after allegedly bringing gun to work
Teri Maddox, Belleville News-Democrat, May 1

Teachers in Wheaton Warrenville District 200 will get 6% raises
Katlyn Smith, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, May 1

Boundary battle: Family fights to allow kids to stay in their current Dunlap schools
Leslie Renken, Peoria Journal Star, May 2

Sullivan High School students conduct research at Booth Library
Chris Williams, Journal Gazette and Times Courier, Charleston/Mattoon, April 25
 

In today’s Leading News, a look at more education action in consideration in the General Assembly. Librarians discuss banned books. CPS reassess how it assesses schools. Also in the news, Sauk Valley Community College offers sessions on teaching special education.  

Illinois Democrats pushing literacy education reform, bills advancing
Patrick Keck, State Journal-Register, Springfield, April 25

Illinois law would require schools notify parents of bullying incidents within 24 hours
Nika Schoonover, CNI/Belleville News Democrat, April 27

'Gender Queer' tops library group's list of challenged books
Hillel Italie, AP/Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, April 24

Chicago drops public school ratings in favor of a less punitive system for assessing schools
Sarah Karp, WBEZ, Chicago, April 26

Sauk Valley students get first-hand look at special education careers
Troy E. Taylor, Sauk Valley News, April 26