In today’s Leading News,  the Illinois Senate has sent the budget bill to the House. A lawsuit has been filed against Schuyler-Industry CUSD 5 after the school bus crash in March that killed five people including three preschool students. Also in the news, read some local takes on national issues.

Senate Democrats send $53.1B spending plan to House
Jerry Nowicki, CNI/Shaw Local Media, May 27

Mother sues school district after losing two children in Rushville bus crash
Carson Gourdie, WICS, Springfield, May 24

How Illinois high schools help students with intellectual disabilities transition to adult life
Peter Medlin, Northern Public Radio, May 22

Illinois Moving Back to ACT as Required Exam for High School Graduation
Matt Masterson, WTTW, Chicago, May 16

'A distraction:' B-N students, parents, educators weigh in on phones in schools
Melissa Ellin, WGLT, Normal, May 20
 

In today’s Leading News, board of education make facilities decisions.

Lockport District 205 Board OKs $3.45 million to complete repairs at Central Campus, prepares for bond sale
Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, May 21

Collinsville school board votes on whether to close Jefferson Elementary
Kelly Smits, Belleville News-Democrat, May 22

Band room doors at KHS to be replaced
Michael Berry, Kewanee Voice,  May 21

Belvidere School Board decides fate of Perry Elementary School
Gregory Deffenbaugh, WREX, May 20

District 87 OKs architect, construction manager for OAB project, talks school safety
D. Jack Alkire, Bloomington Pantagraph, May 15

 

In today’s Leading News, a Will County crash involving school busses injures Reed-Custer CUSD 255U students and teachers. A former Naperville CUSD 203 student who was cleared of charges of theft has filed a civil rights lawsuit against the city of Naperville. School District U-46 (Elgin) officials halt yearbook distribution because of a controversial photo. Also in the news, career signing days in Quincy and Moline celebrate workforce entry plans and future teachers.

10 children, 2 teachers taken to hospitals after 3 school buses crash in Will County, police say
Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, May 22

Naperville woman who beat city’s high school theft accusation suing for $20M in damages
Tess Kenny, Naperville Sun, May 22

Photo that stirred antisemitism concerns fuels yearbook controversy at Bartlett High School
Alicia Fabbre, Daily Herald, May 22

Career Signing Day celebrates students entering the workforce
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, May 21

Signing day held at Moline High School for ‘Grow Your Own Teacher’ program
Brad Burton and Kate Kopatich, KWQC, Quad Cities, May 20
 

In today’s Leading News, a report looks at funding adequacy. Read coverage of how the state and school districts are working with students requiring educational supports. Also in the news, life lessons abound as the cacophonous convergence is here.

Report: Illinois schools won’t be ‘adequately funded’ by 2027
Samantha Smylie, Chalkbeat Chicago, May 15

Illinois School Districts Sent Kids to a For-Profit Out-of-State Facility That Isn’t Vetted or Monitored
Jodi S. Cohen and Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, May 17

McLean County schools help students threatened by unstable housing — but they have to find them first
D. Jack Alkire, Bloomington Pantagraph, May 19

Why children with disabilities are missing school and losing skills
Cory Turner, NPR, May 15

The cicadas are here. How to cope with (or enjoy) a natural miracle
Marni Pyke, Daily Herald, May 20

 

In today’s Leading News, bills, budgets, and bagpipes.

Hundreds of bills pass in Illinois, including changes to biometric data privacy lawv
Hannah Meisel, Cole Longcor, Alex Abedduto, CNI/Bloomington Pantagraph, May 19

IL Senate unanimously passes bill requiring school cardiac emergency response plans
Mike Miletich, WAND, Decatur, May 16

With one week left in session, Pritzker administration says all revenue options remain on the table
Jerry Nowicki, CNI/WGLT, Normal, May 17

'Only so much to go around': Spending demands mount as Illinois lawmakers craft budget
Patrick M. Keck, Springfield State Journal- Register, May 20

Piping up: Richwoods High School senior class prank is drawing national attention
Dave Eminian, Peoria Journal Star, May 14

 

In today’s Leading News, Illinois legislators enter the final days of session with several issues unresolved. A new federal program will provide assistance to families over the summer to help buy food while schools are not in session. The debate about cellphones in the classroom continues. Also in the news, legislation to compensate student teachers in Illinois is moving through the General Assembly.  
 
Lawmakers set to wrangle over tax hikes, insurance reforms in final days of session
Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, May 20

Nearly 8,500 Springfield kids eligible for new food assistance program. What to know
Patrick M. Keck, State Journal-Register, Springfield, May 20

Federal funds to provide food for low-income kids in Illinois this summer
Kellie Foy, Pantagraph, Bloomington-Normal, May 16

Meeting Minutes & More | Frustrated with lack of cellphone policy enforcement, Champaign teacher retires
Jeff D'Alessio, News-Gazette, Champaign, May 16

Student teachers in Illinois may be compensated under proposed program
Hope Gadson, State Journal-Register, Springfield, May 16

In today’s Leading News, the Quest Charter Academy in Peoria’s request for license renewal is denied by ISBE. Many suburban Chicago schools report    student growth in special education. Centralia HSD 200 board is updated on the district’s solar project. In other news, proposed Head Start rules could lead to enrollment cuts. 

Quest Charter Academy in Peoria likely to close after appeal denied at state level 
Zach Roth, Peoria Journal Star, May 15 

Most suburban schools report special ed student growth 
Jake Griffin, Daily Herald, May 10 

Centralia High School Board gets update on solar project, moves forward on bond issue for turf football field 
WJBD Staff, Salem, April 26 

Local officials say proposed Head Start salary rule could lead to enrollment cuts 
Jana Wiersema, Champaign News-Gazette, May 14 
 

In today’s Leading News, read media coverage of school districts undertaking strategic planning, and others make way for programs in STEM, career and technical education, and preschools.

OPRF board keeps racial equity a priority in strategic plan
Amaris E. Rodriguez, Oak Park Journal, May 9

District 214 launches strategic planning process
Daily Herald, May 10

Project Lead The Way honors Rockford school for STEM curriculum
Chris Green, Rockford Register Star, May 11

Quad-City trades are attracting more local students, expanding programs
Olivia Allen, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, May 13

Coal City School District Offering Tuition Based Preschool Pilot Program
WSPY, Plano, May 3
 

In today’s Leading News,  “subject to appropriations.” ISBE has recommended closure of a Peoria charter school. School officials, including in Harem SD 122, make plans for bus driver shortages. Also in the news, national looks at climate change education and post-ESSER fund decisions.

House OKs program for student teacher stipends – but not the funding for it
Peter Hancock and Andrew Campbell, CNI, May 14

State superintendent recommends move that would see Quest Charter Academy close at the end of this school year
Tim Shelley, WCBU, Peoria, May 10

Harlem School District changes start times for 2024-2025 due to continued bus driver shortage
WREX, Rockford, May 9

High school students, frustrated by lack of climate education, press for change
Alexa St. John and Doug Glass, Associated Press/Alton Telegraph, May 8

Schools are bracing for widespread teacher layoffs. Here’s why
Katie Lobosco, CNN, May 11, 2024 Updated May 11

 

In today’s Leading News, discover the fascinating details and uncertain futures for old school buildings in Illinois.  Also in the news, read coverage of other facilities projects and plans.

Cahokia 187 is getting a new high school. Here’s the timeline, design & financing
Kelly Smits, Belleville News-Democrat, May 11

Landmarks Illinois lists endangered historic sites with schools in Collinsville, East St. Louis
Dominic Genetti, Edwardsville Intelligencer, May 14

Danville school district eyes former Carle site for day care, early-childhood, alternative programs
Jennifer Bailey, Champaign News-Gazette, May 9

Carol Stream’s Evergreen Elementary looks to add classrooms
Dave Oberhelman, the Daily Herald, April 29, 2024

Land owners, superintendent discuss tax implications of new Winchester school
Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree, Jacksonville Journal Courier, May 11
 

In today’s Leading News, Illinois educators and programs earn recognition.

Gold Achievement of Excellence inspires pride in Meridian CUSD 223, Stillman Valley
Nathan Langley, Rockford Register Star, May 10

East St. Louis teacher recognized among nation’s best at White House state dinner
Kelly Smits, Belleville News-Democrat, May 12

Black teen summit at Rolling Meadows H.S. cast spotlight on ‘beautiful diversity’ of School District 214
Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, April 23

Lou Malnati's aims to honor 10 teachers with a year of free pizza
Chicago Sun-Times, April 22

Empowering 132,895 teens annually: Distress Bandanna enhances roadside safety
Vivian Pratt Anderson, Daily Herald, May 6

 

In today’s Leading News, read two takes on the new agency for early childhood services, ready to be signed into state law. The U.S. Congress discusses antisemitism with K12 educators. Also in the news, celebrating career signing days in Decatur SD 61 and Massac CUSD 1.

House OKs new state agency focused on early childhood programs
Peter Hancock CNI/Quincy Herald Whig, May 9

Measure to create new state agency for childhood services now on Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk
Olivia Olander and Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, May 9

Republicans and K-12 school leaders clash over handling of antisemitism
Cory Turner and Nicole Cohen, NPR, May 8

Career Signing Day celebrates Decatur Public School students in alternative pathways
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, May 8

'You are a piece to the puzzle': MCHS holds College & Career Signing Day
Terra Temple, Metropolis Planet, May 9
 

In today’s Leading News, Chalkbeat looks at the latest, education-related, legislative movement. Property tax discussions are on agendas. Also in the news, CPS talks staff salaries and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson talks in Springfield.

Illinois’ legislative session is winding down. Here are seven education issues to watch in Springfield.
Samantha Smylie, Chalkbeat Chicago, May 6

Metro-east school district cuts residents’ tax rate with help from a new state program
Kelly Smits, Belleville News-Democrat, May 8

Oswego schools budget projects $7 million more in property tax revenue
Eric Schoellkopf, Kendall County Now, April 25

CPS agrees to raise wages of ‘lowest paid workers’, in a new, four-year agreement with SEIU Local 73
Sarah Macaraeg, Chicago Tribune, May 2

Mayor Brandon Johnson talks school funding, Bears stadium and ‘less high-profile budget needs’ during Springfield visit
Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, May 8
 

In today’s Leading News, a NEA reports features teacher salaries. Many Illinois families are feeling the FAFSA pinch, and others have concerns about the loss of after-school programs. Also in the news, there is emerging support to prep youth with autism for the arrival of cicadas.

Teacher salaries in Illinois among best in the nation, new report finds
Hope Gadson, Springfield State Journal- Register, May 7

The new FAFSA rollout has been a mess. Here's how many Illinois high school students have completed it compared to last year.
Peter Medlin, Northern Public Radio, May 6

U.S. Dept. of Education launches FAFSA support strategy with deadline for federal aid inching closer
Zareen Ayed, Chicago Tribune, May 7

Thousands of youths at risk of losing access to after-school programs
Peter Hanock, Capitol New Illinois, May 7,

How people with autism, sensory sensitivities are prepping for cicadas
Mary Norkol, Chicago Sun-Times, May 6
 

In today’s Leading News, constituents engage school districts over facility futures. Also in the news, Illinois high school students participate in Gaza war protests.

‘This can be made to work’: parents ask Collinsville school board to keep Jefferson open
Kelly Smits, Belleville News-Democrat, May 7

School district's Lawrence Education Center is closing; will collaborate with LLCC
Steven Spearie, Springfield State Journal- Register, May 1

District 87 teachers get first look at newly purchased Oakland Avenue Building
D. Jack Alkire, Bloomington Pantagraph, April 24

Lake County students join nationwide pro-Palestine demonstrations, counter-protests
Chloe Hilles, Chicago Tribune, May 2

CPS students protest Gaza war, march to University of Chicago encampment
Nader Issa, Chicago Sun-Times, May 1
 

In today’s Leading News, Edwardsville CUSD 7 explains a provision that raised some concern in its superintendent’s contract. Macomb CUSD 185 studies behavioral interventions. LaSalle-Peru THSD 120 schedules a public meeting to discuss restrictions on phone use in classrooms. What are the next steps for the school board for Champaign CUSD 4?  Also in the news, Oak Lawn CHSD 229 celebrates Polish culture.

Here's why the Edwardsville District 7 superintendent gets 108 sick days a year
Billy Woods, the Intelligencer, Edwardsville, May 3

Macomb School District to implement behavioral intervention program
Rich Egger, Tri States Public Radi, Macomb, May 2

LP Board Set to Restrict Phone Use During School Hours
Tom Henson, Starved Rock News,  May 3

Here's how the process for filling two Unit 4 board seats will work
Jeff D'Alessio, Champaign News-Gazette, May 2

Oak Lawn club dives into Smigus-Dyngus, Constitution Day ‘to help the Polish community flourish’
Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, April 30
 

In today’s Leading News, school districts engage their communities on issues of local importance.

Galena School Board looks at the future of GHS post-referendum
Murphy Obershaw. Galena Gazette, April 23

School district schedules community forum over high school's future
Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree, Jacksonville Journal-Courier, April 30

Johns Hill celebrates the arts and the multicultural community
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, April 18

Future of McHenry’s Landmark School questioned as board faces reality of building costs
Janelle Walker, Northwest Herald, April 13

Edwardsville may have to increase property taxes to support 'growing community'
Charles Bolinger, The Intelligencer, Edwardsville, April 16
 

In today’s Leading News, school districts cope with on-campus incidents. Also in the news, programs offer STEM opportunities in East St. Louis SD 189.

Goreville elementary student parent speaks out about child's alleged assault at school
Libby Gerdes, The Southern Illinoisan, Carbondale, April 23

Arlington Heights school nurse on administrative leave amid probe into medicine swap
Christopher Placek, Daily Herald, April 26

U-46, Bartlett High School principal accused of changing grades reach separation deal
Alicia Fabbre, Daily Herald, April 29

Lawsuit claims Lansing police officer shoved student at Thornton Fractional South
Hank Sanders, Daily Southtown, April 26

Robotics club shows East St. Louis students new opportunities for careers in STEM
Kelly Smits, Belleville News-Democrat, April 30
 

In today’s Leading News, students still await financial aid news after new FAFSA rollout moves slowly. Champaign CUSD 4 cancels a meeting called to replace resigned members. Also in the news, union formation and contract negotiations and agreements.

The botched FAFSA rollout leaves students in limbo. Some wonder if their college dreams will survive
Chicago Tribune, May 1

Unit 4 cancels Wednesday meeting a day after scheduling it
Jeff D'Alessio, Champaign News-Gazette, April 30

Gurnee District 56 support staff file to form a union
Daily Herald, April 26

CTU, CPS negotiations open with optimism
Nader Issa, Chicago Sun-Times, April 29

Zion-Benton Township D126 approves teachers union contract after strike threat…
Steve Sadin, Lake County News-Sun,  April 25