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January 2025 Leading News

In today’s Leading News, Illinois sees positives in the new Nation’s Report Card, the largest nationally representative data of student learning. The Trump Administration targets education in these latest executive orders. Also in the news, appreciating Groundhog Day.

Illinois’ eighth graders outperform their peers in all but one state in national math and reading test
Ikram Mohamed, Chicago Tribune, January 29

Nearly 5 years after schools closed, the nation gets a new report card
Jonaki Mehta and Cory Turner, NPR, January 29

With sweeping orders, Trump aims to control race teaching, boost school choice
Laura Meckler Susan Svrluga, Hannah Natanson, Danielle Douglas-Gabriel, the Washington Post/Daily Herald, January 29

Trump's orders take aim at critical race theory, school choice
Collin Binkley, Zeke Miller, and Dorothy Hernandez, AP/Chicago Sun Times, January 29

How Woodstock, Illinois became the real-life home of Groundhog Day
Jake Hamilton, Fox 32 Chicago, January 29
 
In today’s Leading News, the Illinois legislative session opens with thousands of bills. Aurora area schools set priorities for threatened action against immigrant students. Adlai E Stevenson HSD 125 examines policy after a pro-Palestinian student group posted a sign on campus. The since-rescinded federal funding freeze creates commotion for all sectors, including education. Also in the news, Will County uses cannabis tax funds to aid school security.

Illinois House lawmakers file almost 1,800 new bills only 2 weeks into legislative session
Jade Aubrey, CNI/Decatur Herald and Review, January 29

Aurora area schools prepare for possible immigration arrests as state issues guidance on how schools should respond
Molly Morrow, Aurora Beacon-News, January 27

Stevenson High promises policy changes after Palestinian display draws objections
Christopher Placek, Daily Herald, January 28

Trump administration’s surprise federal funding freeze sows havoc across Illinois before being blocked by federal judgev
Olivia Olander, Alice Yin, Lisa Schencker, Sarah Freishtat, and Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, January 29

Will County uses cannabis funds for shooter-resistant laminate on school windows
Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, January 28
 
In today’s Leading News, response continues after the Department of Education recently panned book banning. Naperville CUSD 203 explains the reasons behind proposed schedule changes. North Clay CUSD 25 looks at ongoing facilities projects. Investigators look at a website that links school shooting incidents in Nashville, Tennessee and Madison, Wisconsin. Also in the news, creativity for a cause in Bureau Valley CUSD 340. 

Free speech organizations denounce Education Department’s calling book bans a ‘hoax’
Hillel Italie, Associated Press, January 27

Why District 203 is proposing schedule changes for high school students
Alicia Fabbre, Daily Herald, January 27

North Clay School Board Hears Update On Construction Project
Effingham Radio, January 20

Madison and Nashville School Shooters Appear to Have Crossed Paths in Online Extremist Communities
Phoebe Petrovic, Wisconsin Watch/Pro Publica, January 24

Walnut students create art to be auctioned to help California firefighters
Derek Barichello, Shaw Media/Illinois Valley, January 25
In today’s Leading News, concerns about immigration raids in schools fuel alarm, absences. CHSD 230 (Orland Park) reaches a deal with its teachers union. Ball-Chatham CUSD 5 suspends its high school show choir groups amid an investigation. Also in the news, Safe2Help logs over 5,000 tips.

Reported ICE visit to Chicago school was actually Secret Service, officials say
Rebecca Johnson, Nell Salzman, Caroline Kubzansky, and Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, January 25

Hundreds of Peoria Public School students stay home amid immigration raid fears
Shabnam Danesh, WMBD, Peoria, January 25

Orland High School District 230, teachers union reach contract agreement after 9 months negotiating
Daily Southtown, January 22

Glenwood High School show choir investigated amid bullying, hazing complaint
Steven Spearie, State Journal-Register, Springfield, January 27

Illinois students have sent over 5,000 tips to 'Safe2Help' school safety helpline since launch
Peter Medlin, Northern Public Radio, January 17
 
In today’s Leading News, read coverage of local responses to education topics making headlines nationwide.

Illinois Board of Education advising local schools to prepare for immigration enforcement
Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois/Belleville News-Democrat, January 23

Kane County Sheriff, schools to follow state’s TRUST Act in local deportations
David Petesch and Brenda Schory, Kane County Chronicle, January 21

The Hinckley-Big Rock School District banned smartphones this year. How is it going so far?
Peter Medlin, Northern Public Radio, January 21

Woodstock District 200 scales back solar farm: ‘Frustrating process’
Claire O'Brien, Northwest Herald, January 17

‘Math talk’: Wheaton teacher uses visuals, language to educate multilingual learners
Elizabeth Maxwell, Daily Herald, January 8
In today’s Leading News, schools across the nation and in Illinois cope with deportation threats. School board members face censure in two districts. Also in the news, a legacy in Legos.

US throws out policies limiting arrests of migrants at sensitive locations like schools, churches
Rebecca Santana, Associated Press/Chicago Tribune, January 21

Trump won't ban immigration arrests at school. Some families are now weighing school attendance
Olga R. Rodriguez, Moriah Balingit, Bianca Vázquez Toness, and Jocelyn Gecker, Associated Press/Alton Telegraph, January 22

What can CPS schools and parents do in the face of Donald Trump’s mass deportation threat?
Sarah Karp, WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times, January 22

Regional superintendent declines to remove another Freeburg school board member
Teri Maddox, Belleville News-Democratic, January 17

Censured Naperville D203 board member says she wants evidence against her made public: ‘They’ve taken away my credibility’
Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, January 17

Johns Hill's FIRST Lego League founding coach Liz Bartimus ends tenure with the team
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, December 25

 
In today’s Leading News, McLean Co CUSD 5 looks at options if a county schools facility tax passes. Huntley SD 158 looks at its next electric busses. CPS magnet schools use federal grant funds. The DeKalb CUSD 428 community responds to boundary plans. Also in the news, Champaign CUSD 4 takes a time-out on an athletic expenditure.

McLean County Unit 5 evaluating property tax relief should 1% sales tax pass
Drew Zimmerman, Bloomington Pantagraph, January 15

Huntley District 158 to buy electric buses, but switches supplier after company suspends Joliet operations
Clarie O'Brien, Shaw Local/Daily Herald, January 21

Four Chicago magnet schools to share $15 million federal grant to implement personalized learning
Ikram Mohamed, Chicago Tribune, January 13

Parents share mixed views on DeKalb School District 428’s redistricting plans
Megann Horstead, DeKalb Daily Chronicle, January 14

Board presses pause on vote for $1.1 million project
Jeff D'Alessio, Champaign News-Gazette, January 14
 
In today’s Leading News, there’s a chill in the air. Also in the news, many school communities anticipate changes in the new presidential administration.

McHenry County school districts that have canceled Tuesday classes
Janelle Walker, Northwest Herald, January 21

Illinois State, Heartland, school districts cancel classes due to cold
Bloomington Pantagraph, January 21

Some US lawmakers want more Christianity in the classroom. Trump could embolden their plans
Moriah Balingit, Associated Press, January 11

Trump executive orders on immigrants, transgender rights could echo in American schools
Erica Meltzer, Chalkbeat, January 20

On Donald Trump’s Inauguration Day, migrant students are in shadow of deportation in Chicago
Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, January 20
 
In today’s Leading News, Peoria Public Schools look at early outcomes from cell phone policy. CPS students seek safe ways to school. Homewood-Flossmoor CHSD 233 examines graduation requirements. Indian Prairie CUSD 204 aligns its writing curriculum. Also in the news, the IHSA adjusts softball and baseball championships.

Peoria Public Schools says new cellphone policy is helping students focus in class
Zach Roth, Peoria Journal Star, January 10

Chicago students pitch safety improvements for youth pedestrians and cyclists
Sarah Macaraeg, Chicago Tribune, January 13

School board amends grad requirements at H-F High
Marilyn Thomas, Homewood Flossmoor Chronicle, December 20

How new curriculum could teach IPSD 204 students to write better — without AI
Marie Wilson, NCTV17, Naperville, December 17

Four classes, one weekend: IHSA will align baseball, softball state finals schedules
Adam Duval, Peoria Journal Star, January 16
 
In today’s Leading News, the Illinois State Board of Education’s budget request is $11.4 billion. Streator ESD 44 teachers vote to start the clock on strike authorization. Questions resurface on the Freeburg High School mascot. Bloomington SD 87 makes plans for its career center facilities. Also in the news, Herrin CUSD 4 building trades students offer temporary housing.

State Board of Education seeks $11.4 billion for PreK-12 spending
Peter Hancock, CNI/Tri States Public Radio, January 16

Streator Elementary teachers vote to begin 45-day clock on possible strike
Derek Barichello, Shaw Media/Illinois Valley, January 14

Does Freeburg High School’s controversial mascot break federal law? This group thinks so 
Lexi Cortes, Belleville News-Democrat,  January 15

District 87 seeks bids for career center renovation
D. Jack Alkire, Bloomington Pantagraph, January 15

Construction students at Herrin School District builds cat boxes to help control cat population
Mike Mohundro, WSIL, Carterville, January 14

 
In today’s Leading News, the new, partially elected Chicago Public Schools board is being seated today, facing abundant challenges.

Here are the members of Chicago’s 21 member school board
WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times, January 15

First look: $4M renovation of CPS boardroom makes space for 21 members
Nader Issa, Chicago Sun-Times, January 14

CPS on the ‘financial brink’ and state takeover shouldn’t be out of the question, Civic Federation report says
A.D, Quig and Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, January 13

How can Chicago Public Schools pay for a new teachers contract?
Mila Koumpilova, Chalkbeat Chicago, January 14

CPS watchdog’s annual report rings alarm on sports and school board election campaigns
Sarah Macaraeg, Chicago Tribune, January 8
 
In today’s Leading News, Illinois school districts are among those hacked in a data breach. DeKalb CUSD 428 votes against an immediate re-try of the county school facilities sales tax. Rochester CUSD 3A places superintendent on leave, opens investigation. Also in the news, Urbana SD 116 promotes student/community mentorship opportunities.

Student info from numerous Chicago-area school districts hacked in data breach
NBC Chicago, January 10

Suburban schools using PowerSchool software affected by data breach
Eric Peterson, Daily Herald, January 9

DeKalb school board rejects attempt to put failed sales tax referendum back on ballot
Megann Horstead, DeKalb Daily Chronicle, January 10

Rochester school board hires law firm to investigate superintendent on leave
Steven Spearie, Springfield State Journal-Register, January 6

Urbana School District #116 holding mentor training sessions
Ethan Holesha, WCIA, Champaign, January 10
 
In today’s Leading News, a federal judge in Kentucky has struck down the Biden administration’s Title IX rules that protected LGBTQ+ students. The CTU president is being criticized for comparing CEO Pedro Martinez to a special education student who can’t be suspended. Streator ESD 44 teachers will vote on a strike authorization. Also in the news, after a tragedy in Mt. Zion, neighboring communities offer support.

Judge scraps President Biden’s Title IX rules, reversing expansion of protections for LGBTQ+ students
Collin Binkley, AP/Chicago Tribune, January 9

Federal judge tosses Biden Title IX rules that protected transgender students
Erica Meltzer, Chalkbeat, January 9

Chicago Teachers Union president mocks CPS chief and apologizes
Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, January 10

Streator Elementary teachers union to take strike vote Jan. 13
Derek Barichello, Shaw Media/Illinois Valley, January 10

Central Illinois schools pull together to show support for Mount Zion families
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, January 10
 
In today’s Leading News, CHSD 230 (Orland Park) makes expansion plans for Stagg High School. School District U-46 (Elgin) seeks input on boundary plans. Urbana SD 116 has fewer candidates than board spots open. CPS families find creative solutions to transportation woes. Also in the news, a national story on districts considering the possibility of immigration raids in the next administration.

‘Building a ship in a bottle’: Stagg High School $15 million expansion unveiled
Olivia Stevens, Daily Southtown, January 7

U-46 plans open house sessions for boundary plan feedback
Daily Herald, January 6

Urbana school board facing four open seats, only one candidate in April
Luke Taylor, Champaign News-Gazette, December 25

Chicago students without bus service getting PiggyBack rides to school
Jeff McMurray, AP/Chicago Sun-Times, January 3

Schools around the US are weighing responses to possible immigration raids
Carolyn Thompson, AP/Alton Telegraph, January 7
 
In today’s Leading News, catch up on the electric school bus situation in Illinois. A group has filed a suit questioning the Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship. DeKalb CUSD 438 talks about early learning facilities. Amid ongoing leadership turmoil, CPS parents consider the district’s future. Also in the news, Lincoln-Way CHSD 210 bands performed in the Tournament of Roses Parade.

Electric school buses take off in Illinois, with over 200 on the road: A ‘phenomenal climb’
Nara Schoenberg, Chicago Tribune, December 26

Illinois scholarship program aimed at getting more teachers of color faces court challenge
Samantha Smylie, Chalkbeat, December 19

DeKalb School District officials say new early learning center needed
Megann Horstead, DeKalb Daily Chronicle, December 29

The post-winter break blues: Parents and educators worry about CPS’ future and are divided about Martinez’s ouster
Ikram Mohamed, Chicago Tribune, January 6

Lincoln-Way marching band makes 4th ‘fantastic’ appearance in Tournament of Roses Parade
Mike Nolan, Daily Southtown, January 2
 
In today’s Leading News, catching up with coverage of the complicated CPS situation. Quad Cities districts consider federal education funding in 2025 and beyond. Bradley-Bourbonnais CHSD 307 examines disciplinary policies. Also in the news, Bremen CHSD 228 positively implements AI.

The Chicago schools CEO got a pink slip for Christmas. He went to court. What happens now?
Reema Amin, Chalkbeat, January 3

Timeline: CPS CEO Pedro Martinez Was Fired. Here’s What Happened in the 8 Months Before That Decision Was Made
Matt Masterson, WTTW, Chicago, December 23

Quad-Cities school leaders consider potential loss of Department of Education
Olivia Allen, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, December 30

BBCHS aiming to reduce suspensions
Stephanie Markham, Kankakee Daily Journal, December 28

‘Nothing but positive’: AI seen as an asset to teaching, in Bremen High School District 228
Olivia Stevens, Daily Southtown/Chicago Tribune, December 27
 
In today’s Leading News, looking ahead into 2025 in education funding, AI, curriculum, and more.

Education stories we’re watching in 2025
Erica Meltzer, Chalkbeat, December 19

How AI Is Changing Education: The Year’s Top 5 Stories
Alyson Klein, Education Week, December 23

Why It’s Hard to Control What Gets Taught in Public Schools
Dana Goldstein, New York Times, December 20

Districts Are Already Bracing for Federal Funding Cuts Under Trump
Mark Lieberman, Education Week, December 18

Illinois schools face uncertain funding future amid flat revenue growth
Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois/Jacksonville Journal Courier, December 20
 

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.