In today’s Leading News, read coverage of boards of education as they discuss matters of personnel. Also in the news, saying it with socks.

Teachers in Orland High School District 230 protest lack of contract
Olivia Stevens, Daily Southtown, Chicago and suburbs, October 25

Crystal Lake District 47, teachers approve contract with ‘new money’ for salaries at 19.5% over four years
Michelle Meyer, Daily Herald, October 23

Rochester football coach Derek Leonard suspended one game after hazing investigation
Ryan Mahan, Springfield State Journal- Register, October 26

Danville school administrators back on job after investigation, leaves
Jennifer Bailey, Danville Commercial-News, October 26

Soctober project at Argenta-Oreana Middle School provides socks for those in need
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, October 19
 

In today’s Leading News, the newly-appointed CPS school board meets. Also in the news, time to play.

New CPS board president picked by mayor praises Johnson, makes clear he backs mayor's plans
Nader Issa and Sarah Karp, Chicago Sun-Times/WBEZ, October 24

“Kids learn a lot through play”: Incorporating play into QPS kindergarten classes builds skills for life
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, October 8

Getting the band back together in Sullivan
Samuel Lisec, Champaign News-Gazette, October 24

Quad-Cities high schoolers get a taste of investing with JA Stock Market Challenge
Olivia Allen, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, October 23

Chicago Bears’ Kyler Gordon is ‘principal for a day’ at an Austin school: ‘It gives them hope they can succeed’
Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, October 23
 

In today’s Leading News, the newly-appointed CPS board is scheduled to meet today (October 24), and local controversy, the Bethalto CUSD 8 board meets tonight. Evanston/Skokie SD 65 details a school closure. Washington CHSD 308 discusses limiting backpacks in schools. Also in the news, Decatur SD 61 undertakes strategic planning.

Mayor Brandon Johnson's new CPS board to meet for first time
Nader Issa, Chicago Sun-Times, October 22

Bethalto School Board meeting to cover school improvement plans and personnel actions
Jill Moon, Alton Telegraph, October 23

Evanston-Skokie D65 ousting Bessie Rhodes 7th, 8th graders with four weeks’ notice
Richard Requena, Pioneer Press, Evanston/Skokie, October 22

Washington High School to limit backpack use because of 'possible student safety risk'
JJ Bullock, Peoria Journal Star, October 22

Decatur Public Schools' strategic plan meetings underway
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, October 23
 

In today’s Leading News, districts make athletics-related decisions.

School board OKs new scoreboard, fitness court for KHS
Michael Berry, Kewanee Voice, October 22

Yorkville HS to begin work on $1.8 million tennis court project
Joey Weslo, Kendall County Now, October 19

O’Fallon student-athlete ran 6K for his sister. IHSA banned him from school team
Lynn Venhaus, O’Fallon Progress October 17

Sole bidder for QPS maintenance facility plans to expand bike park
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, October 16

No flagging interest in girls flag football
Anna Savchenko, Chicago Sun-Times/WBEZ, October 14
 

In today’s Leading News, school districts discuss student achievement and curriculum updates.

Ag Academy students get hands-on experience raising animals for meat
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, October 18

Alton School Board Talks About Teaching and Learning Goals for Students
Sydney Sinks, Riverbender, Alton, October 16

CPS sees steady high school graduation rates, better reading scores for elementary school students
Mary Norkol, Chicago Sun-Times, October 17

DeKalb High School could add AP African American Studies course
Megann Horstead, DeKalb Daily Chronicle, October 19

Additional Danville P.E. classes transforming with technology
Jennifer Bailey, Champaign News-Gazette, October 9
 

In today’s Leading News, school districts hear questions and concerns on facilities plans at Cahokia Unit SD 187 and Dunlap CUSD 323. Jacksonville SD 117 responds to community concerns on climate. Illinois students choose plant-based lunch options. Also in the news, Moline-Coal Valley SD 40 elementary students plant seeds for the future.

Minority contractors concerned they’ll get passed over for work on new Cahokia High
Carolyn Smith, Belleville News-Democrat, October 19

Dunlap school board taps Iowa architectural firm for new athletic Training Center
Tim Shelley, WCBU, Peoria, October 17

Jacksonville schools take stance against teacher mistreatment; NAACP says handling of past incidents contributed to climate
Ben Singson, Jacksonville Journal-Courier, October 16

Over 1,000 Illinois Students Are Signed Up to Receive Plant-Based Lunch, 1 Year After Law Went Into Effect
Eunice Alpasan, WTTW, Chicago, October 17

Moline students plant trees for Illinois Extension "Urban Tree Equity" initiative
Olivia Allen, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, October 16
 

In today’s Leading News, keeping up with the latest from CPS and its upcoming election. Evanston/Skokie SD 65 announces a school closure. Bloomington SD 87 talks about curriculum. Also in the news, a look at the national debate over educating immigrant children into public schools.

Turmoil at Chicago Public Schools: What you need to know
Nell Salzman, Sarah Macaraeg, and Ikram Mohamed, Chicago Tribune, October 15

Get to know Chicago School Board candidates at these forums
Kate Grossman, Chicago Sun-Times, October 15

Bessie Rhodes surprise: District 65 to close 7th and 8th grades next month
Duncan Agnew, Evanston Roundtable, October 16

District 87 board hears about nursing partnership, classes in STEM, art, media
D. Jack Alkire, Bloomington Pantagraph, October 16

US law entitles immigrant children to an education. Some conservatives say that should change.
Michael Casey  and Jocelyn Gecker, Associated Press/Chicago Tribune, October 16
 

In today’s Leading News, the teachers union at Meridian CUSD 15 (Macon) have voted to authorize a strike. Maine THSD 207 offers Assyrian in its language curriculum.  Collinsville CUSD 10 targets funding for a new career and technical education center. The Leland CUSD 1 community hopes to continue field trips to the explore nature. Also in the news, Education Week looks at research and state’s policies on school choice.

Meridian teachers vote to strike if agreement cannot be reached
WAND, Decatur. October 16

Assyrian Course Grows At Maine East
Sam Rakestraw, Journal and Topics, Northwest suburbs, October 11

Here’s what a new, $21.5 million career & tech ed building in Collinsville will look like
Kelly Smits, Belleville News-Democrat, October 10

Leland school officials shocked by decision to close NIU's Lorado Taft learning campus, looking at future outdoor educational options
Sam Woodworth, WSPY, Plano, October 16

Private School Choice: What the Research Says
Mark Liebeman, Education Week, October 10
 

In today’s Leading News, read about referendums on the ballot in November, and about outcomes from a referendum past. Also in the news, More on CPS, as the district works through charter school issues and its upcoming election.

Hancock County residents to vote on school sales tax
Hancock County Journal Pilot, October 15

Staunton voters to decide on upgrading 100-year-old school building
Jill Moon, Alton Telegraph, October 10

6 Years After Referendum, Dist. 207 Tallies $52 Million In Savings From Original Estimates
Sam Rakestraw, Journal & Topics, Northwest suburbs, October 11

CTU President Stacy Davis Gates demands CPS absorb closing Acero charter schools
Violet Miller, Chicago Sun-Times, October 11

School board campaign donations top $2.3 million a month before election, as money pours in from teachers union and charter groups
Molly Morrow and A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, October 11

In today’s Leading News, the Tribune looks at referendums on the November 5 ballot. The News-Democrat reports on an investigation into allegations of “grooming” at Freeburg CCSD 70.  Meredosia-Chambersburg CUSD 11 seeks connections in the community. Galesburg CUSD 205 addresses a lawsuit on IDEA. Also in the news, Joliet THSD 204 schedules a health fair and jobs expo.

Nov. 5 referendums in Chicago’s suburbs: School building projects, backyard chickens and even a roundabout
Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, October 15

Freeburg school superintendent accused of ‘grooming’ students. Police call it ‘unfounded’
Teri Maddox, Belleville News-Democrat, October 14

Meredosia-Chambersburg schools improve communication with immigrant parents
Shirley Bilyeu, Jacksonville Journal Courier, October 12

Parents sue Galesburg District 205 over disability education rights
Jane Carlson, Tri States Public Radio, October 11

Joliet Township High School District 204 hosting community health, jobs expo
Joliet Herald News/Shaw Local News Network, October 12
 

In today’s Leading News, read reporting on a survey of Illinois teachers, released by the Illinois Education Association, plus more on the teacher workforce in the state. Also in the news, Springfield SD 186 students discuss Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day.

Majority of Illinois teachers considering leaving education, survey finds
Brian Moline, St. Louis Public Radio, October 9

Poll: Citing poor pay and heavy workload, many Illinois teachers consider leaving the profession
Alica Fabbre, Daily Herald, October 9

U-46 inks deal to use outside agencies to fill nearly 60 special education-related jobs for next three years
Mike Danahey, Elgin Courier News, October 8

Meridian teachers still negotiating contract, over one month into school
Hannah Flayhan, WAND, Decatur, October 4

Why these Springfield students want Columbus' name removed from holiday calendar
Steven Spearie, State Journal-Register, Springfield, October 11
 

In today’s Leading News, a “first-of-its-kind rural reunification training” in Macomb CUSD 185 is practice for the school community and local first responders. East St. Louis SD 189 hopes a federal program will improve student outcomes. New ELL and ESL programs grow in the state’s northwest wedge. Amid turmoil, CPS looks for ways to improve its financial picture. Also in the news, Calvatia gigantea.

‘This is the first step of the recovery process’: Macomb simulates reunification with over 300 students
Dylan Smith, WGEM, Quincy, October 4

Can grant-funded ‘full service community schools’ improve student outcomes in East St. Louis?
Kelly Smits, Belleville News-Democrat, October 9

Learning in a different language: Teachers provide insight into ESL, ELL programs
Murphy Obershaw, Galena Gazette, October 7

CPS and CTU both look to city taxing districts to solve school budget woes
Nader Issa, Chicago Sun-Times, October 9

Illinois Has Its First-Ever State Mushroom. These Local Schoolkids Helped Make It Happen
Nicole Cardos, WTTW, Chicago, October 8
 

In today’s Leading News, read a national look at discipline and its impact on Black children, especially girls. Another national piece reports on student vaccination rates. Flossmoor SD 161 considers expanding its PK programs. Families file suits against Huntley Community SD 158 after an E.coli outbreak. Also in the news, kids discover STEM in the south suburbs.

Exclusive: Watchdog finds Black girls face more frequent, severe discipline in school
Claudia Grisales, NPR, September 19

US school-entry vaccination rates fall as exemptions keep rising
Mike Stobbe, AP/Bloomington Pantagraph, October 3

D161 discusses needs, costs of expanding PreK
Chris Weber, Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle, September 29, 2024

2 families sue Huntley High School district after E. coli outbreak caused students’ ‘permanent injuries’
Claire O-Brien, Shaw Local Media/Daily Herald, September 24

South Side Science Festival give youngsters a close-up look at STEM
Violet Miller, Chicago Sun-Times, October 5
 

In today’s Leading News, students get a taste of civic decision-making in Buffalo Grove. The Dispatch-Argus looks at local school bord actions. Also in the news, read more coverage of the resignations from, and appointments to, the CPS Board of Education.

‘Trustee for a day’: Students learn about government at Buffalo Grove Civics Forum
Steve Zalusky, Daily Herald, October 2

September Quad Cities school board roundup
Olicia Allen, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, September 30

Parents look for answers at candidate forum after shock school board resignations
Sylvan Lebrun, Chicago Tribune, October 6

Mayor Brandon Johnson names all new CPS school board after mass resignations
Nader Issa and Sarah Karp, WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times, October 7

Emboldened by CPS strife, CTU critics pour more cash into school board elections
Nader Issa and Sarah Karp, WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times, October 3
 

In today’s Leading News, read up on the news of resignations from the board of education for Chicago Public Schools. Also in the news, what is the future of teaching history?

Entire CPS Board to resign, adding to school district chaos
Sarah Karp and Nader Issa, WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times, October 4

Chicago Board of Education to resign; mayor to announce new appointments Monday
Andy Koval, Jordan Muck, Jenna Barnes, Ethan Illers, Judy Wang, WGN, Chicago, October 5

With the entire Board of Education resigning, what’s next for CPS families?
Sylvan Lebrun and Ikram Mohamed, Chicago Tribune, October 4

All Chicago school board members to resign amid tensions between mayor, schools chief
Reema Amin, Chalkbeat Chicago, October 4

History Teachers Are Replacing Textbooks With the Internet
Dana Goldstein, New York Times, September 20
 

In today’s Leading News, read some local coverage of national issues impacting schools. Also in the news, honors and awards.

Multilingual parent liaison helps immigrant families settle in to new lives in District 54
Eric Peterson, Daily Herald, October 3

Calls for book ban at Carrollton High get support from congresswoman
Jill Moon, Jacksonville Journal Courier, September 30

O’Fallon High School student says teen classmates have a role to play in politics
Lynn Venhaus, O’Fallon Progress, October 2

Two metro-east schools among 18 in Illinois to earn National Blue Ribbon
Kelly Smits, Belleville News-Democrat, October 1

The best Illinois school districts, according to a new ranking
John Sahly, Shaw Local Media, October 2
 

In today’s Leading News, read coverage of facilities planning. Also in the news, the IHSA has moved the date of its boys and girls golf championships for observance of Yom Kippur.  

The bids are in for the new Cahokia High School. How much will it cost?
Kelly Smits, Belleville News-Democrat, October 3

District 181 set to build new headquarters in Hinsdale
Chuck Fieldman, Pioneer Press, Hinsdale, October 1

To fend off potential state takeover, Evanston/Skokie District 65 may close schools, lay off staff
Richard Requena, Pioneer Press, Evanston/Skokie, September 23

Billions of Dollars for School Buildings Are on the Ballot This November
Mark Lieberman, Education Week, September 26

Why the IHSA golf state finals are one week later than usual
Adam Duvall, Peoria Journal Star, October 3
                   
 

In today’s Leading News, conversations continue, in Woodstock CUSD 200 over student use of cellphones; in Batavia PSD 101 discussing anti-bullying policies; with Prairie Central CUSD 8 in Fairbury planning a referendum; and in Chicago Public Schools, where enrollment is up. Also in the news, St. Louis Public Radio talks outreach and outcomes with Illinois educator Briana Morales.

As schools struggle with if and how to regulate cellphones, Woodstock District 200 reviews its rules
Claire O'Brien, Northwest Herald, September 30

Batavia school board adopts new anti-bullying policies
Joey Weslo, Kane County Chronicle, September 30

Central Illinois referendum to build new school. Here's what you need to know
Erich Murphy, Pontiac Daily Leader, October 1

CPS enrollment increases for second year in a row, sees bump in English language learners
Sarah Karp and Nader Issa, Chicago Sun-Times, September 26

How East St. Louis educator Briana Morales uses writing to foster healing and connection
Emily Woodbury, St. Louis Public Radio, September 27
 

In today’s Leading News, it’s that time of year: Schools set budgets.

Carlinville School Board approves 24-25 Budget
Erin Sanson, Carlinville Enquirer Democrat, September 25

Bourbonnais School Board approves FY 2025 budget
Stephanie Markham, Kankakee Daily Journal, October 1

District 15 dealing with ‘structural deficit’ as it adopts this year’s budget
Steve Zalusky, Daily Herald, September 26

Chicago Public Schools wants to combine state and local teacher retirement funds. Is that possible?
Samantha Smylie, Chalkbeat Chicago, September 24

North Clay School Board Held Budget Meeting
Effingham Radio, September 30