In today’s Leading News, the IFT’s new leadership calls for increase in funding for K-12 education. A judge has ruled in favor of releasing federal grant funds meant to address the shortage of mental health workers in schools. Also in the news, music and art.

Illinois teachers union leaders call for tax shift to fund K-12, higher education 
Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois/Danville Commercial News, October 23

Trump administration must restore grants for school counselors, judge rules
Associated Press/Alton Telegraph. October 27

Discussion continues on Centralia High School’s academic watch list policy for band students
Austin Williams. WJBD, Salem, October 24

‘It’s not about winning, it’s about the journey’
Rob Le Cates, Champaign News-Gazette, October 24

“Out of the box thinking” puts arts into classroom lessons
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, October 14

 

In today’s Leading News, two school districts, with possible strikes on the horizon, agree to contracts with teachers unions. Also in the news, more national-level headlines with local implications.

Valley View District 365-U approves new teacher contract
Jessie Molloy, Shaw Local Media/Joliet Herald News, October 27

West Frankfort teachers vote yes on new school agreement
Mike Mohundro, WSIL, Carterville, October 24

School Districts Prepare to Go Without Some Federal Funds Next Year
Mark Lieberman, Education Week, October 23

Trump administration posts notice that no federal food aid will go out Nov. 1
Associated Press/Shaw Local Media, Illinois, October 26

Cicero, Berwyn students demand more school district support as immigration enforcement escalates
Emmanuel Camarillo, Chicago Sun-Times, October 24


 

In today’s Leading News, read today’s collection of news articles featuring national issues and local implications.

How the pandemic shaped DeKalb schools’ public health practices
DeKalb Daily Chronicle, October 21

Illinois teachers believe parents support teaching inclusive history, despite national divides
Emily Hays, Illinois Public Media, October 22

Immigration enforcement reaches CPS doorstep, renewing questions about student, community safety
Emmanuel Camarillo, Chicago Sun-Times, October 22

QPS rolling out additional metal detectors
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, October 21

Alton schools mark National Bus Safety Week with drills
Chase Martin, Alton Telegraph, October 21
 

In today’s Leading News, Illinois school districts connect with their communities on matters of common interest.

Unit 5 to host public meeting focused on enrollment planning study underway
Ryan Denham, WGLT, Normal, October 21

Chicago Public Schools wants parents, students to help interview CEO finalists
Emmanuel Camarillo, Chicago Sun-Times, October 20

Moline school district signals progress on new elementary; asks for input on school name
Cesar Toscano, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, October 15

Oswego School Dist. 308 to hold more community meetings to help map out the district’s future
Eric Schelkopf, Shaw Local, Kendall County Now October 11

Flossmoor Veterans Memorial history curriculum, ‘the idea of civics,’ set for democracy conference
Evy Lewis, Daily Southtown, October 22
 

In today’s Leading News districts, higher education institutions, and communities partner for students’ futures. 

Conference nurtures dreams of future teachers
Donnette Beckett, Decatur Herald and Review, October 21

Heartland hosting free FAFSA workshops at campus locations
Mateusz Janik, Bloomington Pantagraph, October 17

Rich Township District 227 adds career and technical education to STEM campus
Olivia Stevens, Daily Southtown, October 17

Grants support agricultural lessons for thousands of Illinois students
Abreanna Blose, Galesburg  Register Mail, October 12

Normal West high school students 'feel part of the process' as election judges
Jim Stahly Jr., WGLT, Normal, October 10
 

In today’s Leading News, districts discuss tax rates. The AWS outages on Monday affected just about everything including, the work of education. Also in the news, read about Illinois’ plan for numeracy education.

Waukegan school District 60 board approves tax levy with a nearly 5% increase, the first hike in six years.
Steve Sadin, Lake County News-Sun, October 16

Geneseo schools' tax rate expected to fall slightly
Lisa Hammer, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, October 11

Did you have trouble getting to Reddit, Roblox, Ring and other sites? This is why.
Katie Collins and Gael Cooper, CNET, October 20

Canvas website down for students after AWS outage
Tyler Thrasher, WFLD, Chicago, October 21

Illinois releases draft numeracy plan to improve math education
Becky Vevea, Chalkbeat Chicago, October 16
 

In today’s Leading News, boards of education contemplate decisions for students safety and well-being.

Study finds some Peoria County students face food insecurity, poverty, and more
Angeles Ponpas, WEEK, Peoria, October 17

Rochelle Elementary School will apply for new before- and after-school program funding
Jeff Helfrich, Shaw Local/Oge County News, October 17

In a school district without buses, the future of Illinois public transit raises questions for ETHS students’ commute
Jack Greenspan and Clara Freeth, Daily Northwestern, Evanston, October 17

Bathroom vents may be the source of humidity at Flossmoor Hills and Western Avenue
Chris Weber Homewood Flossmoor Chronicle, October 16

With rising federal agents’ accelerated activity in Lake County, families pushing schools for remote learning
Steve Sadin, Lake County News-Sun, October 17
 

In today’s Leading News, social media concerns in Byron CUSD 226. Dunlap CUSD 323 discusses its financial future. A McLean Co Unit District 5 teacher facing social media criticism for wearing an "Abolish ICE" appears before the board. Schaumburg CCSD 54 seeks to borrow for capital projects. Also in the news, Friday football and a proposal for expanded IHSA playoffs.

Byron High School warns parents about concerning AI filter on social media
WIFR, Rockford, October 15

Dunlap School board in heated debate over financial future
Taylor Fleming, WEEK, Peoria, October 16

Unit 5 teacher's anti-ICE T-shirt brings public to board meeting
By Mateusz Janik, The Pantagraph, October 16, 2025

District 54 considering plan to take on $70 million debt, but pay it off in four years
Eric Peterson, Daily Herald, October 11

New IHSA proposal aims to expand football playoffs, apply 'flex regional' schedule
Will Foley, Decatur Herald and Review, October 15
 

In today’s Leading News, THSD 214 (Arlington Heights) sends survey. Scott-Morgan CUSD 2 in Bluffs adds new language to bullying policy. Tri-City CUSD 1 (Buffalo) looks at facilities because of illnesses and allergies. Oak Park-River Forest HSD 200 reexamines “Honors for All.” Also in the news, Illinois Department of Natural Resources grants promote field trips.
 
District 214 will survey taxpayers this week in lead-up to possible referendum
Christopher Placek, Daily Herald, October 13

Bluffs school board approves expanded bullying policy
Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree, Jacksonville Journal-Courier, October 15

‘It’s just concerning’: Tri-City Schools parents express worries after allergy scares
Tyler Hill, WCIA, Champaign, October 10

Oak Park and River Forest High School touts Honors for All success amid calls to address racial disparities
Bob Skolnik, Chicago Tribune, October 14

IDNR grants send 740+ Illinois students to historic sites
WAND, Decatur, October 15
 

In today’s Leading News, read updates on teacher and staff contract negotiations. Also in the news, read more on the Advance Illinois “The State We’re In” report for 2025. 

Judge rules Cahokia school district broke labor law at start of last year 
Madison Lammert, Belleville News-Democrat, October 15

Tinley Park District 146 tentative teacher contract includes 6% salary increase over 5 years
Olivia Stevens, Daily Southtown, Chicago and suburbs, October 12

Frankfort School District shares update on teacher contract negotiations
Sasha Moore, KBSI, Cape Girardeau, Mo., October 13

Valley View teachers union rejects tentative deal but has no imminent plan to strike
Jessie Molloy, Shaw Local/Joliet Herald News, October 11

New report offers mixed review of educational progress in Illinois
Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois, Galesburg Register-Mail, October 15
 

In today’s Leading News, read the articles behind the national headlines with local impacts.

Sycamore schools remove low-deductible health insurance option for employees
Camden Lazenby, DeKalb Daily Chronicle, October 10

Amid shutdown, Trump administration guts department overseeing special education
Cory Turner, NPR, October 13

Chicago ICE raids, National Guard troops prompt new lesson plans: ‘Know your rights’
Heather Schlitz, Reuters, October 10

Evanston school board ‘deeply troubled and angered’ by allegations in indictment against ex-superintendent
Richard Requena and Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, October 11

Illinois establishes Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools program
Madhu Krishnamurthy, Daily Herald, October 10
 

In today’s Leading News, some good news for school districts. 

Visit to Land of Smiles helps "keep kids healthy"
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, October 7

ECFC pilots curriculum stressing kindergarten readiness
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, October 2

Oswego school’s Pathways program helping make students more independent
Eric Schelkopf, Kendall County Now, October 1

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library expands to Macoupin, Jersey and Calhoun counties
Chase Martin, Alton Telegraph, October 1

Vienna High School expands breakfast program with $10K grant
Mike Mohundro, WSIL, Carterville, October 2
 

In today’s Leading News, Chicago and suburban school districts address ‘uncertainty, urgency and confusion.’ Also in the news, following federal education funds.

CPS students celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month amid time of tension: ‘We deserve to be here’
Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, October 6

Lake County school officials helping parents with ICE fears: ‘We have seen … uncertainty, urgency and confusion’
Steve Sadin, Lake County News-Sun, October 2

Chicago Public Schools creates command center to monitor ICE activity
Sarah Karp and Emmanuel Camarillo, WBEZ/Chicago Sun Times, October 8

How the Federal Government Shutdown Is Affecting Schools: A Tracker
Mark Lieberman, Education Wek, October 8

Hinsdale school officials disappointed by discontinuation of federal Blue Ribbon program
Chuck Fieldman, Pioneer Press Local, Hinsdale, October 6
 

In today’s Leading News, the Aurora Beacon-News looks at school district policies amidst Title IX changes. West Chicago Community High School District 94, Coal City CUD 1, and Delan-Weldon CUSD 57 share facilities updates. Also in the news, opera.

Aurora-area school districts modify Title IX policies as federal regulations shift: ‘People are at the center of this’
Molly Morrow, Aurora Beacon-News, October 6

West Chicago District 94 celebrates new STEP Center for students with diverse learning needs
Roy Ramos, Daily Herald, October 5

Deland-Weldon school district to introduce outdoor learning space
Rob Le Cates, Champaign News-Gazette, October 6

Work progressing on Coal City Intermediate School
Michael Urbanec, Shaw Local/Morris Herald News, October 3

Four EHS students selected for St. Louis Opera Theatre’s AIT program
Carter DeJong, Edwardsville Intelligencer, September 30
 

In today’s Leading News, districts offer pathways for students' futures. 

Fab in a Box brings digital fabrication technology to Decatur students
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, October 3

CPS holds first event introducing deaf, hard of hearing students to careers in the trades
Emmanuel Camarillo, Chicago Sun-Times, October 6

U-46 students introduced to careers and academic paths at Explore 2025
Daily Herald, October 3

Ashton-Franklin [Missouri], Rochelle schools receive grant to fund ag programs, equipment
Shaw Local Media, Ogle County, October 3

At St. Joseph-Ogden, students solving mysteries
Rob Le Cates, Champaign News-Gazette, October 6
 

In today’s Leading News, national education headlines with impacts in Illinois. 

Amid ICE activity, CTU and elected officials call for community to protect students, families
Reema Amin, Chalkbeat Chicago, October 2

Lake County school officials helping parents with ICE fears: ‘We have seen … uncertainty, urgency and confusion’
Steve Sadin, Lake County News-Sun, October 2

How the government shutdown will affect the already shrunken Education Department
PBS News, October 1

Ed. Dept. Out-of-Office Emails Changed to Blame Democrats for Shutdown, Staff Say
Brooke Schultz, Education Week, October 2

Illinois now ranks 18th in nation for state education spending per student, report says
Becky Vevea, Chalkbeat Chicago, October 1
 

In today’s Leading News, read reporting on PEN America’s study on book banning. A medical records controversy is underway in Mercer County SD 404, and an Establishment Clause conversation in Marengo-Union Elem CSD 165. Also in the news, table topics in Geneva CUSD 304.

Stephen King is the most banned author in US schools, PEN report says
Hillel Italie, Associated Press, October 1

PEN America warns of rise in books 'systematically removed from school libraries'
Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, October 1

Mercer County superintendent’s arrest: What the law says about accessing vaccine records
Matt Christensen, KWQC, Quad Cities, October 1

Founder of Christian ministry paid $10K by Marengo school district, sparks church-state separation debate
Michelle Meyer, Shaw Local/Northwest Herald, September 26

Geneva High woodworking class not ‘building the same old table’
Brenda Schory, Shawl Local News Network/Daily Herald, September 24

In today’s Leading News, teacher contract negotiations pick up. Also in the news, read reports on the latest Advance Illinois study.

Tinley Park District 146 reaches tentative contract with teachers’ union without strike
Olivia Stevens, Daily Southtown, October 1
Tinley Park District 146 reaches tentative contract with teachers’ union without strike

Dispute between West Frankfort teachers and school district heats up
Mike Mohundro, WSIL, September 30

Dueling unfair labor charges intensify West Frankfort labor dispute
Brandyn Wilcoxen, Southern Illinoisan, Carbondale, October 1

Tentative Contract Agreement Reached Between Mendota High School Board And Educators
WLPO, LaSalle, September 25

New study on Illinois’ public education system sees promise and problems
Kate Perez and Kate Armanini,  Chicago Tribune, October 1
 

In today’s Leading News, what does a federal shutdown mean for local school districts? It’s further complicated by federal layoffs and zig-zagging grants. Also in the news, attendance matters.

How the government shutdown will affect student loans, FAFSA and the Education Department
Annie Ma, Associated Press, Daily Herald, October 1

Appeals Court Says Ed. Dept. Can Fire Civil Rights Staff
Brooke Schultz, Education Week, September 30

Trump Admin. Relaunches School Mental Health Grants It Yanked—With a Twist
Matthew Stone, Education Week, September 26

New rule requires North Greene seniors to attend 80% of classes for end-of-year activities
Bem Singson, Jacksonville Journal Courier, September 30

Good attendance and academic success go hand in hand
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, September 28