In today’s Leading News, Peoria Public Schools considers costs of cameras for SROs. St. Charles CUSD 303 communicates on enrollment zone changes. In the wake of a lawsuit and extensive media coverage, the Hinsdale THSD 86 board of education reinstates a high school basketball player. Also in the news, civics: can you pass the test?
Here's why Peoria schools officers could get body cameras and how much it would will cost
Leslie Renken, Peoria Journal Star, November 28
District 303 to hold public meetings on enrollment zone changes
David Petesch, Shaw Local News Network, the Daily Herald, November 27, 2023
Player reinstated to Hinsdale South basketball team after mother files suit
Robert McCoppin and Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, November 28
All Illinois middle schoolers must pass a civics education class. How do you make sure it sticks?
Kate Grossman, Chicago Sun-Times/WBEZ, November 28
Can you pass an eighth grade Constitution test?
Kate Grossman, Chicago Sun-Times, November 29
Here's why Peoria schools officers could get body cameras and how much it would will cost
Leslie Renken, Peoria Journal Star, November 28
District 303 to hold public meetings on enrollment zone changes
David Petesch, Shaw Local News Network, the Daily Herald, November 27, 2023
Player reinstated to Hinsdale South basketball team after mother files suit
Robert McCoppin and Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, November 28
All Illinois middle schoolers must pass a civics education class. How do you make sure it sticks?
Kate Grossman, Chicago Sun-Times/WBEZ, November 28
Can you pass an eighth grade Constitution test?
Kate Grossman, Chicago Sun-Times, November 29
In today’s Leading News, read what’s being covered in Illinois media with regard to career and life skills education, strategic planning, and funding for school repairs and renovations. Also in the news, marking the 2023 public vs. private debate, and football.
Madison County program helps high school students with disabilities find jobs
Will Bauer, St. Louis Public Radio/Belleville News-Democrat, November 28
La Salle-Peru High School Board adopts new district goals, reviews school report card
Maribeth M. Wilson, Shaw Local, Illinois Valley, November 19
Lockport District 205 will ask voters to fund $85 million in renovations to Central Campus, where ceiling collapsed
Michelle Mullins, Daily Southtown, Chicago and suburbs, November 21
Public gets a look at $123 million reconstruction project for Springfield High School
Steven Spearie, Springfield State Journal-Register, November 16
Should public and private high schools have separate state football tournaments?
Mount Carmel coach Jordan Lynch and Rochester coach Derek Leonard discuss if private schools have an advantage in football.
Michael O’Brien, Chicago Sun-Times, November 26
Madison County program helps high school students with disabilities find jobs
Will Bauer, St. Louis Public Radio/Belleville News-Democrat, November 28
La Salle-Peru High School Board adopts new district goals, reviews school report card
Maribeth M. Wilson, Shaw Local, Illinois Valley, November 19
Lockport District 205 will ask voters to fund $85 million in renovations to Central Campus, where ceiling collapsed
Michelle Mullins, Daily Southtown, Chicago and suburbs, November 21
Public gets a look at $123 million reconstruction project for Springfield High School
Steven Spearie, Springfield State Journal-Register, November 16
Should public and private high schools have separate state football tournaments?
Mount Carmel coach Jordan Lynch and Rochester coach Derek Leonard discuss if private schools have an advantage in football.
Michael O’Brien, Chicago Sun-Times, November 26
In today’s Leading News, read how media cover levy decisions.
DeKalb taxpayers could owe hundreds more in 2023 property taxes to District 428
Megann Horstead, Shaw Media/DeKalb Daily Chronicle, November 22
Edwardsville school board talks curriculum, state report card, tax levy
Penny Weaver, Alton Telegraph, November 15
D161 approves preliminary 2023 tax levy
Chris Weber, Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle, November 23
Seneca High School Board Discusses Tax Levy Process
Tina Morrison, WSPY, Plano, November 23
Unit 5 proposes $151M tax levy, but plans to lower property tax rate
Michele Steinbacher, WGLT, Normal, November 16
DeKalb taxpayers could owe hundreds more in 2023 property taxes to District 428
Megann Horstead, Shaw Media/DeKalb Daily Chronicle, November 22
Edwardsville school board talks curriculum, state report card, tax levy
Penny Weaver, Alton Telegraph, November 15
D161 approves preliminary 2023 tax levy
Chris Weber, Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle, November 23
Seneca High School Board Discusses Tax Levy Process
Tina Morrison, WSPY, Plano, November 23
Unit 5 proposes $151M tax levy, but plans to lower property tax rate
Michele Steinbacher, WGLT, Normal, November 16
In today’s Leading News, read coverage of awards presented at the 2023 Joint Annual Conference. Also in the news, turkeys, traditions, and thanks.
Walters named Illinois Superintendent of the Year
Kankakee Daily Journal, November 20
Ex-Batavia school board member receives state award
Daily Herald, November 21
The Washington Elementary School family celebrates Thanksgiving together, year after year
Ryan Denham, WGLT, Normal, November 22
Urbana High's Thanksgiving dinner brings volunteers, grateful diners
Samuel Lisec, Champaign News-Gazette, November 25
School District 152.5 Delivers Holiday Joy and Turkeys to 250 Families
Chicago Defender, November 22
Walters named Illinois Superintendent of the Year
Kankakee Daily Journal, November 20
Ex-Batavia school board member receives state award
Daily Herald, November 21
The Washington Elementary School family celebrates Thanksgiving together, year after year
Ryan Denham, WGLT, Normal, November 22
Urbana High's Thanksgiving dinner brings volunteers, grateful diners
Samuel Lisec, Champaign News-Gazette, November 25
School District 152.5 Delivers Holiday Joy and Turkeys to 250 Families
Chicago Defender, November 22
In today’s Leading News, ISBE talks funding. The “unresolved” CPS board election conversation persists. Kewanee CUSD 229 teachers have reportedly accepted the district’s contract offer. Also in the news, Education Week picks up Tribune reporting on the private school scholarship tax credit and Chalkbeat’s coverage continues.
ISBE weighs increased funding requests ahead of budget season
Peter Hancock, CNI/The Southern Illinoisan, November 17
One year before Chicago’s first school board election, key details remain unresolved
Sarah Karp, Nader Issa, WBEZ, Chicago, November 15
Kewanee teachers approve latest contract, await Board approval on Monday
WQAD, Quad Cities, November 19
Many states are moving toward private school choice. Illinois is letting its program lapse.
Samantha Smylie and Cara Fitzpatrick, Chalkbeat, November 14
Families Lament, Public School Advocates Celebrate End of Controversial Scholarship Tax Credit
Jeremy Gorner, Dan Petrella, and Alysa Guffey, Chicago Tribune/Education Week, November 14
ISBE weighs increased funding requests ahead of budget season
Peter Hancock, CNI/The Southern Illinoisan, November 17
One year before Chicago’s first school board election, key details remain unresolved
Sarah Karp, Nader Issa, WBEZ, Chicago, November 15
Kewanee teachers approve latest contract, await Board approval on Monday
WQAD, Quad Cities, November 19
Many states are moving toward private school choice. Illinois is letting its program lapse.
Samantha Smylie and Cara Fitzpatrick, Chalkbeat, November 14
Families Lament, Public School Advocates Celebrate End of Controversial Scholarship Tax Credit
Jeremy Gorner, Dan Petrella, and Alysa Guffey, Chicago Tribune/Education Week, November 14
In today’s Leading News, read reporting on issues impacting Illinois school districts.
Small school districts want to offer their students as much as possible. But to do that, many have to share.
Peter Medlin, Northern Public Radio, November 6
How students connecting with trusted adults on campus is raising high school graduation rates
Eric Peterson, Daily Herald, November 13
Science says teens need more sleep. So why is it so hard to start school later?
Catherine Sweeney – WPLN/NPR Illinois, November 9
What Happens When Educators Win School Board Seats, According to New Research
Caitlynn Peetz, Education Week, November 7
Editorial: Make media literacy education a reality
Daily Herald Editorial Board, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, November 12
Small school districts want to offer their students as much as possible. But to do that, many have to share.
Peter Medlin, Northern Public Radio, November 6
How students connecting with trusted adults on campus is raising high school graduation rates
Eric Peterson, Daily Herald, November 13
Science says teens need more sleep. So why is it so hard to start school later?
Catherine Sweeney – WPLN/NPR Illinois, November 9
What Happens When Educators Win School Board Seats, According to New Research
Caitlynn Peetz, Education Week, November 7
Editorial: Make media literacy education a reality
Daily Herald Editorial Board, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, November 12
In today’s Leading News, schools welcome veterans and their stories. A federal judge rules in an age discrimination case at Urbana SD 116. A move to re-district a neighborhood is dismissed. Dixon Unit SD 170 finds a spot for a therapeutic day school.
Elk Grove High students pay tribute to veterans
Christopher Placek, Daily Herald, November 9
'If your country needs you, go': Veterans share stories of military service with Iles students
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, November 11
Federal judge rules Urbana school district violated age discrimination law
Debra Pressey, Champaign News-Gazette, November 10
Petition from Fairview Heights residents who want out of East St. Louis schools dismissed
Kelly Smits, Belleville News-Democrat, November 11
Dixon School District to take over historic grounds for special needs school
WQAD, Quad Cities, November 5
Elk Grove High students pay tribute to veterans
Christopher Placek, Daily Herald, November 9
'If your country needs you, go': Veterans share stories of military service with Iles students
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, November 11
Federal judge rules Urbana school district violated age discrimination law
Debra Pressey, Champaign News-Gazette, November 10
Petition from Fairview Heights residents who want out of East St. Louis schools dismissed
Kelly Smits, Belleville News-Democrat, November 11
Dixon School District to take over historic grounds for special needs school
WQAD, Quad Cities, November 5
In today’s Leading News, read reporting from the conclusion of the Veto Session last week, including Invest in Kids, CPS’s elected school board, and community mental health supports.
Families lament, public school advocates celebrate end of controversial scholarship tax credit
Jeremy Gorner, Dan Petrella and Alysa Guffey, Chicago Tribune, November 13
'Invest in Kids' set to sunset, threatening scholarships for Illinois children
D. Jack Alkire, Bloomington Pantagraph, November 9
Illinois’ controversial private school scholarship program is ending
Mawa Iqbal, WBEZ, Chicago November 9
Unfinished assignment: Lawmakers leave Springfield without final plan for Chicago elected school board
Tina Sfondeles, Chicago Sun-Times, November 9
Bill affirming mental health referendums passes House, awaits governor's signature
Steve Zalusky, Daily Herald, November 9
Families lament, public school advocates celebrate end of controversial scholarship tax credit
Jeremy Gorner, Dan Petrella and Alysa Guffey, Chicago Tribune, November 13
'Invest in Kids' set to sunset, threatening scholarships for Illinois children
D. Jack Alkire, Bloomington Pantagraph, November 9
Illinois’ controversial private school scholarship program is ending
Mawa Iqbal, WBEZ, Chicago November 9
Unfinished assignment: Lawmakers leave Springfield without final plan for Chicago elected school board
Tina Sfondeles, Chicago Sun-Times, November 9
Bill affirming mental health referendums passes House, awaits governor's signature
Steve Zalusky, Daily Herald, November 9
In today’s Leading News, read coverage of two school districts’ teacher contract negotiations. A neighborhood wants to send its kids to a different school district. Springfield SD 186 talks about the impacts of the county school facilities sales tax. Also in the news, the Invest in Kids program was not extended Thursday by the General Assembly.
In quest for a new contract, Westville teachers, support staff to attend meeting
Dave Hinton, Champaign News-Gazette, November 8
Barrington School District teachers to get raise, more time for leave and parent-teacher conferences with new union pact
Elizabeth Owens-Schiele, Pioneer Press/Barrington Courier, November 6
Residents of Fairview Heights neighborhood want out of East St. Louis school district
Kelly Smits, Belleville News-Democrat, November 8
Five years after sales tax hike, district, county schools benefit; here's what it took
Steven Spearie, State Journal-Register, Springfield, November 7
Lawmakers decline to extend Invest in Kids program
Peter Hancock, CNI/Champaign News-Gazzette, November 9
In quest for a new contract, Westville teachers, support staff to attend meeting
Dave Hinton, Champaign News-Gazette, November 8
Barrington School District teachers to get raise, more time for leave and parent-teacher conferences with new union pact
Elizabeth Owens-Schiele, Pioneer Press/Barrington Courier, November 6
Residents of Fairview Heights neighborhood want out of East St. Louis school district
Kelly Smits, Belleville News-Democrat, November 8
Five years after sales tax hike, district, county schools benefit; here's what it took
Steven Spearie, State Journal-Register, Springfield, November 7
Lawmakers decline to extend Invest in Kids program
Peter Hancock, CNI/Champaign News-Gazzette, November 9
In today’s Leading News, time is running out for the legislature to vote on the Invest in Kids private school scholarship tax credit program. The latest CPS elected school board plan stalls and a bill to allow a Decatur SD 61 school to catch up on the school calendar won’t progress. Also in the news, lessons learned from chess.
'It's the last opportunity to save this program': Invest in Kids hours away from expiring
Marni Pyke, Daily Herald, November 8
What to know about the ‘school choice’ scholarship program now up for renewal in Springfield
Kate Grossman, WBEZ, Chicago, November 8
Incomplete grade? Chicago elected school board plan stalls amid House, Senate divisions
Tina Sfondeles, Chicago Sun-Times, November 9
Dennis Lab School class time extension bill won't move this year, sponsor says
Brenden Moore, Decatur Herald and Review, November 7
Champaign high schools chess teams using CUSF grant to expand reach
Anthony Zilis, Champaign News-Gazette, October 29
'It's the last opportunity to save this program': Invest in Kids hours away from expiring
Marni Pyke, Daily Herald, November 8
What to know about the ‘school choice’ scholarship program now up for renewal in Springfield
Kate Grossman, WBEZ, Chicago, November 8
Incomplete grade? Chicago elected school board plan stalls amid House, Senate divisions
Tina Sfondeles, Chicago Sun-Times, November 9
Dennis Lab School class time extension bill won't move this year, sponsor says
Brenden Moore, Decatur Herald and Review, November 7
Champaign high schools chess teams using CUSF grant to expand reach
Anthony Zilis, Champaign News-Gazette, October 29
In today’s Leading News, a judge ruled that a CPS student who felt “coerced to participate” in a meditation program would be awarded damages and legal fees. The Beardstown CUSD 15 board of education seeks community input. Danville CCSD 118 reaches a contract agreement with its teachers association. A THSD 214 review finds policy violations resulting from a vendor-sponsored trip. Also in the news, national reporting discusses the polarization of school board races.
Former CPS student is awarded $150,000 in religious freedom suit over ‘Hinduistic’ meditation program
Emmanuel Camarillo, Chicago Sun-Times, November 2
Beardstown schools looking for community guidance
Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree, Jacksonville Journal-Courier, November 7
D118 board approves new DEA contract
Jennifer Bailey, Danville Commercial-News, October 28
Food and drinks during Kentucky trip violated District 214 gift ban policy, ethics panel says
Christopher Placek, Daily Herald, November 6
School board elections are latest battleground for polarized national politics
Sarah Mueller, NPR/WUIS, Carbondale, November 5
Former CPS student is awarded $150,000 in religious freedom suit over ‘Hinduistic’ meditation program
Emmanuel Camarillo, Chicago Sun-Times, November 2
Beardstown schools looking for community guidance
Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree, Jacksonville Journal-Courier, November 7
D118 board approves new DEA contract
Jennifer Bailey, Danville Commercial-News, October 28
Food and drinks during Kentucky trip violated District 214 gift ban policy, ethics panel says
Christopher Placek, Daily Herald, November 6
School board elections are latest battleground for polarized national politics
Sarah Mueller, NPR/WUIS, Carbondale, November 5
In today’s Leading News, as the veto session resumes, more voices are heard from over the issue of tax credits for private school scholarships. Also in the new, continuing conversations on after-school programs, settlement funds, and absenteeism.
Illinois lawmakers scrutinize private school scholarships without test-result data
John O'Connor, AP/Alton Telegraph, November 6
Congressional Dems slam private school tax plan as state lawmakers return to Springfield for veto session battle
Tina Sfondeles, Chicago Sun-Times, November 6
After-school programs across Illinois poised to close without supplemental state funding
Sarah Macaraeg, Chicago Tribune, October 27
Champaign County officials looking at how to put opioid settlement money to use to fight abuse
Debra Pressey, Champaign News-Gazette, November 2
Downers Grove District 58 seeks cure for rise in chronic absenteeism
Erin Sauder, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, October 27
Illinois lawmakers scrutinize private school scholarships without test-result data
John O'Connor, AP/Alton Telegraph, November 6
Congressional Dems slam private school tax plan as state lawmakers return to Springfield for veto session battle
Tina Sfondeles, Chicago Sun-Times, November 6
After-school programs across Illinois poised to close without supplemental state funding
Sarah Macaraeg, Chicago Tribune, October 27
Champaign County officials looking at how to put opioid settlement money to use to fight abuse
Debra Pressey, Champaign News-Gazette, November 2
Downers Grove District 58 seeks cure for rise in chronic absenteeism
Erin Sauder, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, October 27
In today’s Leading News, the Invest in Kids program conversation continues this week. School districts deal with facilities issues. Also in the news, the school board Huntley Community SD 158 undergoes change.
Local private schools call on legislators to continue tax credit scholarship program
Patrick M. Keck, Springfield State Journal- Register, November 3
Scholarship tax credits in Illinois still on the table with 3 legislative days left
Hannah Meisel and Andrew Adams, CNI/ Belleville News-Democrat, November 3
Future uncertain for Lockport high school where classroom ceiling collapsed
Alexandra Kukulka, Daily Southtown, Chicago and suburbs, November 4
Rock Island High school deals with heat issues
Grace Kinnicutt, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, November 2
A new slate took over the Huntley school board. Now more leadership changes are on the way.
Claire O'Brien, Shaw Media/Northwest Herald, October 27
Local private schools call on legislators to continue tax credit scholarship program
Patrick M. Keck, Springfield State Journal- Register, November 3
Scholarship tax credits in Illinois still on the table with 3 legislative days left
Hannah Meisel and Andrew Adams, CNI/ Belleville News-Democrat, November 3
Future uncertain for Lockport high school where classroom ceiling collapsed
Alexandra Kukulka, Daily Southtown, Chicago and suburbs, November 4
Rock Island High school deals with heat issues
Grace Kinnicutt, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, November 2
A new slate took over the Huntley school board. Now more leadership changes are on the way.
Claire O'Brien, Shaw Media/Northwest Herald, October 27
In today’s Leading News, read reporting on the next CPS school board voting map. Also in the news, a few more takes on the Illinois School Report Card.
Latest Chicago elected school board voting map emerges
Sarah Karp, Chicago Sun-Times/WBEZ, November 1
State lawmakers propose new Chicago school board map days ahead of return to Springfield
Dan Petrella and Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, November 1
School successes, challenges highlighted in state report card
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, October 31
Head of the class: 11 area schools receive top grade on state report cards
Jeff D’Alessio, Champaign News-Gazette, October 30
Illinois state report card: Students rebounding from pandemic, graduation rates rising.
Shanzeh Ahmad, Sarah Macaraeg, and Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, October 30
Latest Chicago elected school board voting map emerges
Sarah Karp, Chicago Sun-Times/WBEZ, November 1
State lawmakers propose new Chicago school board map days ahead of return to Springfield
Dan Petrella and Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, November 1
School successes, challenges highlighted in state report card
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, October 31
Head of the class: 11 area schools receive top grade on state report cards
Jeff D’Alessio, Champaign News-Gazette, October 30
Illinois state report card: Students rebounding from pandemic, graduation rates rising.
Shanzeh Ahmad, Sarah Macaraeg, and Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, October 30
In today’s Leading News, school districts discuss issues of space and time.
Summit Hill Elementary District 161 discusses closing, shifting district buildings after 10-year enrollment drop of 936 students
Alexandra Kukulka, Daily Southtown, Chicago and suburbs, October 30
Here’s how work on Highland schools is progressing. Will it be finished on schedule?
Elizabeth Donald, Highland News Leader, November 1
Barrington District 220 board given 3 options for changes to BHS fine arts space.
Elizabeth Owens-Schiele, Pioneer Press/Barrington Courier, October 31
District 128 planning $13.6 million upgrade of Libertyville High School cafeteria
Mick Zawislak, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, October 31
Bill that passed Illinois Senate could resolve SHS project tangled in property dispute
Patrick M. Keck, Springfield State Journal-Register, October 27
Summit Hill Elementary District 161 discusses closing, shifting district buildings after 10-year enrollment drop of 936 students
Alexandra Kukulka, Daily Southtown, Chicago and suburbs, October 30
Here’s how work on Highland schools is progressing. Will it be finished on schedule?
Elizabeth Donald, Highland News Leader, November 1
Barrington District 220 board given 3 options for changes to BHS fine arts space.
Elizabeth Owens-Schiele, Pioneer Press/Barrington Courier, October 31
District 128 planning $13.6 million upgrade of Libertyville High School cafeteria
Mick Zawislak, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, October 31
Bill that passed Illinois Senate could resolve SHS project tangled in property dispute
Patrick M. Keck, Springfield State Journal-Register, October 27
In today’s Leading News, Waukegan CUSD 60 discusses and decides against changes to public participation at school board meetings. The Kewanee CUSD 229 board makes its best offer in contract negotiations with teachers and support staff. CPS looks at a deficit post relief funds. Also in the news, more reporting on the release of this year’s Illinois School Report Card.
Waukegan school board rejects proposal to limit debate, streamline meetings; ‘We just go on and on and on ... and it keeps us here all night’
Steve Sadin, Lake County News-Sun, October 26
School board makes ‘last, best, final’ offer to KEA
Michael Berry, The Kewanee Voice, October 31
Chicago Public Schools officials project $391 million deficit next year when COVID-19 relief funds run out
Nader Issa, Chicago Sun-Times, October 25
Illinois student test scores closer to pre-pandemic proficiency levels, but absenteeism remains high
Samantha Smylie, Chalkbeat Chicago, October 30
'The good news is we're recovering': Illinois School Report Card shows second year of post-pandemic gains
Alicia Fabbre, Daily Herald, October 30
Waukegan school board rejects proposal to limit debate, streamline meetings; ‘We just go on and on and on ... and it keeps us here all night’
Steve Sadin, Lake County News-Sun, October 26
School board makes ‘last, best, final’ offer to KEA
Michael Berry, The Kewanee Voice, October 31
Chicago Public Schools officials project $391 million deficit next year when COVID-19 relief funds run out
Nader Issa, Chicago Sun-Times, October 25
Illinois student test scores closer to pre-pandemic proficiency levels, but absenteeism remains high
Samantha Smylie, Chalkbeat Chicago, October 30
'The good news is we're recovering': Illinois School Report Card shows second year of post-pandemic gains
Alicia Fabbre, Daily Herald, October 30
Leading News
IASB's News Clip Service
The links to articles posted here are selected daily from news sources across Illinois, and sometimes beyond, provided as a service to our membership. These links go directly to the original source (print, broadcast, or online media) of the article. The purpose of sharing these links is to give readers of this site a wider perspective on state and local issues impacting public education. IASB neither endorses nor verifies the content.