In today’s Leading News, before-times school district conversations continue: recess, assessments and monitoring, student voices, school boundaries, and a new, social media-inspired “prank.”
 
This Illinois school mandate isn’t controversial: 30 minutes of recess
Nader Issa, Chicago Sun-Times, September 16
 
Reports measure QPS performance in challenging 2020-21 year
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, September 16
 
Bus driver refused player with Mexico flag – so entire Illinois team left, school says
Chacour Koop, via the Belleville News-Democrat, September 19
 
Parents already concerned about potential future boundary maps in Dist. 204
Kevin Schmit, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, September 15
 
TikTok prank challenge taking toll on five area school districts
Jeff D’Alessio, Champaign News-Gazette, September 19

In today’s Leading News, schools and communities cope with aspects of education in a time of coronavirus. Also in the news, an opinion piece signed by many Illinois school district officials is published statewide.
 
Quad-City mask mandates, vaccine mandates, crowded hospitals mark week in COVID-19
Tom Loewy, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, September 19
 
Supply issues limit meal choices at area schools
Zach Roth, Effingham Daily News, September 19
 
CPS logged 245 COVID-19 cases, with nearly 5,500 students and staff potentially exposed, in first 2 weeks of school
Tracy Swartz, Chicago Tribune, September 15
 
Some East St. Louis parents demand schools provide remote learning due to COVID cases
Deasia Paige, Belleville News-Democrat, September 19
 
School leaders present case for local control
Kankakee Daily Journal (and other media), September 18

In today’s Leading News, the shortage of school personnel is a national problem, and other coronavirus repercussions continue. Also in the news, read more about the new CEO for Chicago Public Schools, the nation’s third-largest school district.
 
Will the bus driver ever come? Or the substitute teacher or cafeteria worker?
Giulia Heyward New York Times, September 26
 
Cases of COVID-19 are rising in children, but there's reason for optimism, expert says
Marni Pyke, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, September 15

Nearly 450 Illinois school districts and private schools have signed up for COVID-19 saliva SHIELD testing. So far, only 79 have started. Here’s why.
Lisa Schencker and Karen Ann Cullotta, Chicago Tribune, September 16
 
With COVID-19 vaccine in spotlight, health official worries about Aurora-area kids getting their routine vaccinations
Linda Girardi, Aurora Beacon-News, September 15
 
Pedro Martinez named 1st Latino CEO of Chicago Public Schools; former San Antonio superintendent is Chicago native, CPS grad
Gregory Pratt and Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, September 15
 
Who is Pedro Martinez, CPS’ new CEO?
Nader Issa and Lauren FitzPatrick, Chicago Sun-Times, September 16

In today’s Leading News, Peoria Public Schools proposes an alternative learning program. Southern schools seek subs. Kankakee resolves to fix scheduling miscalculations. Concern grows in Champaign after a school bus was struck by a bullet. Also in the news, CPS announces its next CEO.

Could an alternative school for K-4 students in Peoria be a solution to pandemic declines?
Leslie Renken, Peoria Journal Star, September 15

'We're desperate': Southern Illinois schools scramble to find substitute teachers
Les O’Dell, Southern Illinoisan, Carbondale, September 14

Kankakee High School scheduling problems addressed
Stephanie Markham, Kankakee Daily Journal, September 15

Officials denounce shooting where school bus hit: 'We cannot allow our children to function in chaos'
Mary Schenk, Champaign News-Gazette, September 10

San Antonio schools Supt. Pedro Martinez named new Chicago Public Schools CEO
Nader Issa, Fran Spielman, and Elvia Malagón, Chicago Sun-Times, September 15

In today’s Leading News, coronavirus.
 
How U of I fought the clock to develop a COVID-19 test that schools will use this fall
Marni Pyke, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, September 7
 
22 more COVID-19 outbreaks at suburban schools
Jake Griffin, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, September 10
 
With school year underway, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations rising for Illinois kids
Joe Mahr and Karen Ann Cullotta, Chicago Tribune, September 13
 
Parents fed up with anti-mask protesters targeting Glen Ellyn elementary school students
Mike Lowe, WGN, Chicago, September 14
 
Illinois lawmakers question enforcement of school mask mandates
Peter Hancock, CNI/Bloomington Pantagraph, September 14

In today’s Leading News, yesterday’s Senate vote on energy legislation prompts a decision from Exelon and relief for school districts in Grundy and Ogle counties. ISBE extends the free school lunch program. A trauma care program aims to provide support in East St. Louis SD 189. Also in the news, which pro sports team brings in the most, via specialty license plate fees, for the Illinois Common School Fund?
 
Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he’ll sign sweeping energy proposal that bails out nuclear plants, sets ambitious clean-energy targets, following Senate approval
Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, September 13
 
Exelon Won’t Shut Down Two Plants After Ill. Senate Passes Last-Minute Energy Deal
Hannah Meisel, NPR Illinois, Springfield, September 13
 
Illinois State Board of Education extends free breakfast and lunch option through school year
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, September 12
 
East St. Louis schools continue to offer wraparound trauma care to students, families
Megan Valley, Belleville News-Democrat, September 11
 
Sports team license plates have raised more than $13 million for Illinois schools
WQAD, Quad Cities, September 13

In today’s Leading News, the beat goes on in Illinois, with local coverage of the ongoing coronavirus crisis and its implications for school districts.

COVID-19 cases in Illinois children continue to grow
John Sahly, Shaw Media, September 10

Any Illinois School District Can Offer Full-Time Remote Learning. Few Are Doing It.
Susie An, WBEZ, Chicago, September 9

Vienna superintendent weighs in on state recognition process
WSIL, Carterville, September 9

Meredosia schools prepare to start weekly tests for unvaccinated
Shirley Bilyeu, Jacksonville Journal-Courier, September 13

In today’s Leading News, districts continue their battle against new COVID-19 cases, as remote learning plans are instituted for quarantined students. Also in the news, see how some students and graduates plan to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
 
CPS reports 160 COVID-19 cases and nearly 3,000 ‘close contacts,’ but CTU questions accuracy of district case tracker
Tracy Swartz, Chicago Tribune, September 9
 

District 87 has 30 student COVID cases in first 2 weeks
Connor Wood, The Pantagraph, September 8

District 225 board reinstitutes remote learning plan
Dave Oberhelman, Daily Herald, September 8

Richards students to walk 11 miles to commemorate 9/11, which happened years before they were born
Janice Neumann, Daily Southtown, September 7

Barrington High School grad’s photos, artifacts create local exhibit to mark 20th anniversary of 9/11 attacks
Alicia Fabbre, Pioneer Press, September 7
 

In today’s Leading News, COVID-19 continues to impact school operations, with districts considering various options. Also in the News, beginning in January students will be able to take five mental health days off from school. 

School District 186 may ask ISBE and IDPH to consider mandatory student COVID-19 vaccines
Steven Spearie, State Journal-Register, September 8

Southwest Illinois youth COVID cases have continued to rise in the first weeks of school
Megan Valley, Bellville News-Democrat, September 8
 

Teacher, staff unions file OSHA complaints because masks not required in Abingdon-Avon schools
Jane Carlson, Galesburg Register-Mail, September 7

School bus troubles in CPS underscore serious driver shortage, made worse by COVID: ‘It’s just been really frustrating’
Tracy Swartz, Chicago Tribune, September 3

Illinois planning five mental health day absences for students
Shepard Price, Alton Telegraph, September 7

In today’s Leading News, more COVID outbreaks reported at schools, as one district brings in an infectious disease specialist to speak to the community. Recent court rulings over quarantine procedures may have broader implications for school districts. Additional security measures going into place at some high school football games. Also in the news, the debate over school resource officers continues for CPS.

Suburban school COVID-19 outbreaks nearly triple this week
Jake Griffin, The Daily Herald, September 5

County health expert, infectious disease specialist to discuss COVID-19 with school board
Steven Spearie, State Journal-Register, September 6

QPS court ruling carries "broader implication" for districts, students
Deborah Gertz Husar, Quincy Herald-Whig, September 3, 2021

New layer of security at Champaign high school football games
Mary Schenk, News-Gazette, September 3

Do Police Officers in CPS High Schools Make Students Safer?
Erica Gunderson, WTTW, September 5
 

In today’s Leading News, the deadline for school personal to get vaccinated or submit to regular COVID testing has been extended to September 19. Unvaccinated Chicago Public School students who traveled outside of Illinois over Labor Day are asked to quarantine. Students at ROWVA District 208 will continue to wear masks until at least November 21. CPS plans to have its full testing system in place at all schools by mid-September. Finally in the News, a group of children are taking part in a COVID-19 vaccine study to test the safety of the shot in kids 12 and under.

Health care and education workers, college students given another 2 weeks to get vaccinated before regular tests are required
By Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, September 3

CPS students who quarantine because of Labor Day weekend travel may not get access to remote learning
Tracy Swartz, Chicago Tribune, September 3

Masks will continue at ROWVA schools until to at least Nov. 21
Linda Bell, The Register-Mail, September 2

CPS won’t administer COVID-19 tests at all schools until mid-September, officials say
Nader Issa, Chicago Sun-Times, September 2    
         
Meet some of the kids volunteering in a Chicago COVID-19 vaccine trial: A ‘beacon of hope’ as cases in children surge nationwide
Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, September 2

In today’s Leading News, the coronavirus beat goes on, from incentives to concerns to long-term impacts.

Indiana schools get incentive to require classroom masks
Post-Tribune, Northwest Indiana, September 1

Chicago Teachers Union warns of ‘escalating actions’ unless COVID-19 safety improves in CPS schools
Tracy Swartz, Chicago Tribune, September 1

Parents sue QPS, Webb over quarantine
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, August 31

School board members look for exits as meetings get heated over CRT, other topics
Fox News, August 31

COVID masks likely hinder toddlers' social, language development, speech therapy experts say
Less O’Dell, The Southern Illinoisan, September 2
 

In today’s Leading News, transportation is a major challenge as school districts negotiate the twists and turns of returning to the classroom.

Lack of bus drivers means some Rockford students will need rides to school
Andrea V. Watson, Rockford Register Star, August 31

Many suburban school districts hit with bus driver shortage
Madhu Krishnamurthy, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, September 1

Bus driver shortages means some southwest IL students need to provide their own ride
Belleville News-Democrat, August 31

District 186 students can expect bus delays starting Wednesday
Alyssa Hui, WICS, Springfield, August 31

Bus problems, COVID-19, a new school building: CPS starts another unpredictable year
Nader Issa, Chicago Sun-Times, August 29
 

In today’s Leading News, a look at the first day back for CPS, transportation issues there and throughout the state, and a call for support,

Masks, nerves and trying to social distance: How the first day went in Chicago Public Schools
Jade Yan, Tatyana Turner and Zach Harris, Chicago Tribune, August 31

CPS talking to Lyft, Uber after bus drivers quit over vaccine mandate
Nader Issa, Chicago Sun-Times, August 30

Bus driver shortage making for chaotic start to year in East Aurora School District
Megan Jones, Aurora Beacon-News, August 30

Champaign school district investigating bus issues that have parents frustrated
Debra Pressey, Champaign News-Gazette, August 30

Highland superintendent implores staff not to ‘quit on our students’ amid COVID mandates
Elizabeth Donald, Highland News Leader, August 31