In today’s Leading News, the latest IARSS teacher shortage survey is released. Decatur SD 61 holds a job fair for positions in the district. What’s on the menu, and how might it change? McLean Co Unit District 5 anticipates spending cuts, pending an April referendum. Also in the news, dressing for success in Coles County.

Survey pushes for greater focus on teacher recruitment and retention amid shortages
Nika Schoonover, CNI/State Journal-Register, Springfield, February 3

Decatur Public Schools to hold hiring fair
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, February 1

Chicago-area parents want zabiha-halal and kosher food options in schools.
A proposed bill would be a game changer.
Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, February 2

Unit 5 board OKs list of cuts, reversal hinges on April 4 tax referendum
Michele Steinbacher, WGLT, Normal, February 1

Student-run dress sale underway at Mattoon mall
Rob Stroud, Journal Gazette and Times Courier, Charleston/Mattoon, January 27
 

In today’s Leading News, dueling claims over the College Board’s release of its new Advanced Placement course in African American studies. The Elgin-area community responds to the appointment of U-46’s Tony Sanders to lead ISBE. Hawthorn CCSD 73 discusses extending the school day. Highland CUSD 5 seeks options for a new facility. Also in the news, students take it to the bank in Clinton CUSD 15.

College Board's revised AP African American studies course draws new criticism
Giulia Heyward, NPR, February 1

Elgin leaders say Tony Sanders leaves U-46 ‘in much better shape than when he started’
Mike Danahey, Elgin Courier-News, January 31

District 73 plans to extend instructional day to 7 hours in 2023-24
Mick Zawislak, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, January 27

Highland School District 5 keeping their options open on bids for new primary school
Elizabeth Donald, Highland News Leader January 30

In-school bank teaches financial literacy in Clinton
Connor Wood, Decatur Herald and Review,  February 1
 

In today’s Leading News, read about the appointment of School District U-46’s Tony Sanders as the next State Superintendent of Education. Also in the news, three years later, the state’s coronavirus disaster proclamations will end in May.

U-46 Superintendent Sanders leaving district to become state superintendent of education

Alicia Fabbre, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs,  January 31

Tony Sanders of District U-46 named new state superintendent of education
Zareen Syed and Sarah Macaraeg, Chicago Tribune, January 31

Tony Sanders to become Illinois superintendent of education
Peter Hancock, CNI/The Southern Illinoisan, Carbondale, January 31

Illinois’ COVID-19 disaster proclamation to end in May
Hannah Meisel, CNI/Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus,  February 1

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker sets date to end COVID-19 emergency proclamation
Patrick Keck, State Journal-Register, Springfield, February 1