In today’s Leading News, local conversations on national issues.

D65 buys furniture now to beat tariffs
Jeff Hirsh, Evanston Now, June 21

Advocates await action on bill protecting rights of immigrant students in Illinois
Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois/Daily Herald, June 21

Brussels School District raises meal prices for 2025-26 school year
Chase Martin, Alson Telegraph, June 19

Protests, bans and contention: Groups spar over alleged discrimination at Morton schools
Christina Avery, Peoria Journal Star, June 13

Looming federal cuts force Unit 4 to rethink meal plans
Jeff D'Alessio, Champaign News-Gazette, June 9
 

In today’s Leading News, school districts face questions from their communities amidst troubling claims (content warnings for articles below).

Students complained about Bloom Trail teacher years before sexual assault charges brought, records show
Olivia Stevens, Daily Southtown, Chicago and suburbs, June 17

Stonington couple said lawsuit against Taylorville school district 'necessary step to have closure'
Steven Spearie, State Journal-Register, Springfield, June 18

Former Downers South teacher facing 52 new sexual charges, including grooming
Susan Sarkauskas, Daily Herald, June 17

Former Algonquin school worker pleads guilty to possession of images of child sex abuse
Amanda Marrazzo, Shaw Local/Daily Herald, June 8

Community speaks out at Polo School District board meeting after alleged Ogle Co. murder-suicide
Alyssa Kelly, WIFR, Rockford, June 18

‘Appalling’ Claims: 14-count lawsuit filed against PBL school district, teacher/former coach, 3 current/former admins
Rob Pacey, Ford County Chronicle, June 18
 

In today’s Leading News, moving, and moving on.

After long fight over location, Cary District 26 new bus center gets nod from village
Michelle Meyer, Shaw Local Media/Daily Herald, June 17

How District 204 plans to move freshmen back to Neuqua Valley High School
Katlyn Smith, Daily Herald, June 16

On the road: This Illinois teacher spent a year asking educators what belonging means to them
Samantha Smylie, Chalkbeat, June 16

More School Districts Look To Exit TrueNorth Special Ed Coop
Tom Robb, Journal and Topics, Chicago suburbs, June 18

Northern Illinois students reflect on pandemic learning, 5 years later
Peter Medlin, Northern Public Radio, June 17
 

In today’s Leading News, outgoing Chicago Public School CEO Pedro Martinez expressed optimism for the future of the district in his closing remarks. The CPS board selected an interim CEO as they continue the search for a permanent leader. One fiscal watchdog group says state financial oversight might be an option for CPS. Some workers for the CPS Safe Passage program fear the budget deficit could lead to cuts for safety program. Also in the news, Chicago students celebrate the end of the school year.

Outgoing CPS chief Martinez optimistic for district’s future: ‘There is no limit to what our children can do’
Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, June 16

School board picks Macquline King as interim CPS chief
Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, June 11
 
Fiscal watchdog says state financial oversight for CPS is worth exploring
Sarah Karp, WBEZ & Chicago Sun-Times, June 16
 
Safe Passage workers fear cuts as Chicago Public Schools works to close deficit
Emmanuel Camarillo, Chicago Sun-Times, June 16
 
Chicago students welcome last day of school, look ahead to summer vacation
Mary Norkol, Chicago Sun-Times, June 12

In today’s Leading News, East Moline SD 37 unveils proposed boundary map, a national honor for an art student from Kildeer-Countryside SD 96, and the Rochelle CCSD 231 board hears an update on the status of its HUB program. In other news, a Supreme Court ruling will make it easier for families of students with disabilities to sue for access to education. 

East Moline schools unveil proposed school boundaries for 2026-27 
Nina Baker, the Dispatch-Argus, June 16, 2025 

A colorful creation in paper and glue earns Ivy Hall student art honors 
Steve Zalusky, Daily Herald, June 11 

Elementary school board: District to submit new grant application for HUB Program 
Jeff Helfrich, Roselle News-Leader, June 13 

Supreme Court win for girl with epilepsy expected to make disability lawsuits against schools easier 
Lindsay Whitehurst, Associated Press, June 13 

In today's leading news, a project covering the history of the Underground Railroad in Tazwell county is shared. Also in the news, students use comedy to teach social-emotional skills.

‘Courage, teamwork, and the fight for freedom’: Pekin students share local Underground Railroad history
Joe Deacon, WCBU, Peoria, May 29

Vienna school districts explore future options amid superintendent’s planned retirement
Sasha Moore, KBSI, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, June 6

Trump officials are vowing to end school desegregation orders. Some parents say they’re still needed
Collin Binkley and Sharon Lurye, Associated Press, June 8

Through comedy, students can take ‘big swings’ for mental health
Vani Sanganeria, EdSource, June 5

Ready, set, grow! How students at Bloomington’s Regional Alternative School are contributing outside of the classroom
Ryan Denham and Vivienne Hughes WGLT, Normal, June 2

In today's leading news, students share thoughts on the school year's end, while over 20 students earn perfect ACT scores.

QPS celebrates end of 2024-25 year
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, May 28

Bethalto superintendent receives salary raise days before school board election
Chase Martin, Alton Telegraph, May 28

Tempers flare after board votes 5-2 on settlement with Boozer
Jeff D'Alessio, Champaign News-Gazette, May 29

23 students at Whitney Young Magnet High School get perfect ACT scores
Cindy Hernandez, Chicago Sun-Times, May 30 

In today’s Leading News, CPS selects an interim superintendent/CEO. From Pre-K to FAFSA, schools help prepare students tor their futures.

School board picks Macquline King as interim CPS chief
Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, June 11

Inside Chicago homes, Head Start for the tiniest learners at risk as Trump’s budget takes shape
Lauren FitzPatrick, Chicago Sun-Times, June 9

Is your child ready for kindergarten? Metro-east educators offer this guidance
Madison Lammert, Belleville News-Democrat, June 11

Physics concepts fuel QJHS summer academy
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, June 11

Vienna High School leads Illinois in FAFSA completion success
Mike Mohundro, WSIL, Carterville, June 3
 

In today’s Leading News, communities and districts discuss funding, boundary, and contracts. Also in the news, Pedro Martinez, the outgoing CPS CEO speaks at an eighth-grade graduation.

Effingham residents sign petition to pause school district resolution, put referendum back on the ballot
Jack Krumm, WCIA, Champaign, June 11

Parents concerned about ‘starting over’ during East Moline schools’ feedback session for redistricting plans
KWQC, Quad Cities, June 9

Two Edwardsville teachers share their thoughts ahead of contract negotiations
Carter DeJong, Edwardsville Intelligencer, June 4

District 128 approves five-year teacher contract with ‘competitive’ salary and benefits
Mick Zawislak, Daily Herald, June 10

Outgoing CPS CEO bids farewell to Chicago at graduation ceremony at his alma mater
Emmanuel Camarillo, Chicago Sun-Times, June 10
 

In today’s Leading News, districts talk impact fees. Also in the news, NPR dives deep into school voucner programs.

Yorkville 115 asks city to bump up transition fees
Joey Weslo, Shaw Local, Kendall County, June 10

With ‘strong demand for townhomes’ in Naperville, 68 units proposed near middle school
Katlyn Smith, Daily Herald, June 9

‘A real sense of enthusiasm and excitement’: Lake Villa to pursue development for Pleviak School property
Mick Zawislak, Daily Herald, May 26

Legislation regarding impact fees for schools on hold after clearing General Assembly
Russell Lissau, Daily Herald, June 8

Do private school voucher programs work?
Cory Turner, Consider This, NPR, June 6

In today’s Leading News, schools are letting out, but the work of school boards rolls on.

McLean County school leaders disappointed new state budget doesn’t help more with busing and other mandated costs
Braden Fogerson, Cesar Toscano, WGLT, Normal, June 4

Finances, teacher residency program among topics discussed at Oswego schools community breakfast
Eric Schelkopf, Shaw Media/Kendall County Now, June 5

District 300, union OK 3-year teacher contract with 3% raises yearly
Michelle Meyer, Shaw Local, Daily Herald, June 9

School board already looks to next school year
Murphy Obershaw, Galena Gazette, June 3

Minooka Community High School officials outline goals and needs for new strategic plan
Dave Fidlin, Shaw Local/Morris Herald News, June 5
 

In today’s Leading News, Monday morning updates on issues we’ve been following.

Trump admin asks SCOTUS to intervene and allow Ed Dept cuts
Cory Turner, NPR, June 6

National leaders rally to support public education in East St. Louis 
Hiba Ahmad, St. Louis Public Radio/Belleville News-Democrat, May 31

Illinois state budget and schools
Brad Palmer, WSIU, Carbondale, June 6

McLean County to issue corrected tax bills for Olympia and Ridgeview school district taxpayers
Eric Stock, WGLT, Normal, June 3

Illinois Quad-Cities school leaders react to plan to provide state guidance on AI
Olivia Allen, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, June 6
 

In today’s Leading News, promise and potential. Also in the news, Making things right in Decatur SD 61.

Rock Island-Milan seeks to plan future amid leadership changes, community concerns
Olivia Allen, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, June 4

Latest QPS Foundation grants promise 'so much potential'
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, June 4

‘You’re not just representing yourself’: CPS senior on her year on the Chicago School Board
Emmanuel Camarillo, Chicago Sun-Times, May 28

Superintendent Rochelle Clark apologizes for MacArthur High School graduation issues
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, May 29
 

In today’s Leading News, CPS renews charter schools with caution. Geneva CUSD 304 opts to keep a German language course, for now. Danville CCSD 118 examines finances. Also in the news, students take on projects for the greater good.

CPS charters get shorter renewal terms amid greater scrutiny
Nader Issa, Chicago Sun-Times/WBEZ,  May 30

Following community support, German 1 to stay in Geneva D304 for another year
Brenda Schory, Kane County Chronicle, May 29

Danville school board approves broader financial audit, expands superintendent residency requirement
Jennifer Bailey, Champaign News-Gazette, May 29

Oak Lawn high school students eye downside of energy drinks, processed food
Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, May 29

Neoga High School students volunteer in community on last day of classes
Rob Stroud, Decatur Herald and Review/Journal Gazette & Times Courier, Charleston/Mattoon, May 30

In today’s Leading News, facilities, funding, fieldhouses, and football. Also in the news: focus.

District 204 school board OKs sale of up to $156.5 million in bonds for facility improvements
Molly Morrow, Aurora Beacon-News, May 21

Construction continues on Oak Lawn High School’s $40 million fieldhouse
Olivia Stevens, Daily Southtown, Chicago and suburbs, June 2

Brownstown Board Votes to Sell $7 Million in School Bonds
WXEF, Effingham, May 27

What’s next for Bears after legislature punts on stadium assistance?
Christopher Placek, Daily Herald, June 2

What happens to reading comprehension when students focus on the main idea 
Jill Barshay, The Hechinger Report/ Belleville News-Democrat, May 26

In today’s Leading News, a roundup of state legislative news as the General Session comes to a close.

After lawmakers pass budget with cuts and tax hikes, Gov. JB Pritzker blames state’s fiscal challenges on Trump
Dan Petrella, Jeremy Gorner, and Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, June 2

Illinois Democrats pass budget in final minutes with sports betting tax hike
Mitchell Armentrout and George Wiebe, Chicago Sun-Times, May 31

Illinois lawmakers ban police from ticketing and fining students for minor infractions in school
Jodi S. Cohen and Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica/Chicago Tribune, May 28

Lawmakers advance measure prohibiting public schools from denying students based on immigration status
Jeremy Gorner and Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, June 1, 2025 at 3:36 PM CDT

Inside Illinois’ FY 2026 budget: little to no new funding for K-12 schools, early childhood education
Samantha Smylie, Chalkbeat Chicago, June 2
 

In today’s Leading News, districts discuss cell phones in classrooms.

On the Record: Cell phone ban a ‘game changer’ at Peoria Public Schools
Shabnam Danesh, Christopher Huslig, WMBD, Peoria, June 1

Minooka 201 planning changes to electronic device policy
Dave Fidlin, Shaw Local/Morris Herald News, May 29

Danville school board discusses pouches cost for a student cell phone-free DHS
Jennifer Bailey, Champaign News-Gazette, May 29

Alton school district enacts new strict phone policy ahead of 2025-26 school year
Chase Martin, Alton Telegraph, May 27

Unit 5 teachers make voices heard on cell phones in the classroom
Braden Fogerson, WGLT, Normal, May 22