In today’s Leading News, a tentative agreement has reportedly been reached between Cahokia Unit SD 187 and its teachers union. Also in the news school districts hold conversations with their communities.

Cahokia teachers reach tentative contract agreement ahead of strike deadline
Rob Edwards, St. Louis Public Radio/Belleville News-Democrat, September 24

Rock Island-Milan School board seeks input to limit phones in classrooms
Cesar Toscano, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, September 23

Evanston-Skokie parents fear impact as district looks to cut $20 million, close 2 schools
Cindy Hernandez, Chicago Sun-Times, September 18

Community invited to tour Champaign schools ahead of vote on $192M facilities plan
Molly Sweeny, WCIA, Champaign, September 17

D113A Referendum Q&A: Superintendent Talks Rate Increase, Plans For 40 New Classrooms
Andrea Ernest, Lemont Patch, September 23

In today’s Leading News, read the latest on topics we’re watching.

‘We have a voice, too’: Cahokia students protest looming strike with walkout
Madison Lammert, Belleville News-Democrat, September 22

Mahomet-Seymour Contract Talks Highlight Longstanding Gap Between Teacher and Administrator Pay
Dani Tietz, Mahomet Daily, September 21

Downtown Chicago hotel workers vote to authorize strike
Michael Puente, Chicago Sun-Times, September 22

To fill staffing gaps, an Illinois nonprofit turns to parents already in the building
Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, September 23

Pritzker establishes AI cabinet amid calls for greater regulation
Ben Szalinski, CNI/Champaign News-Gazette, September 22

Minor confirmed dead after fiery crash of van carrying Belleville West students
Madison Lammert, Joshua Carter, Belleville News-Democrat, September 23

In today’s Leading News, school districts in Cook County receive stopgap loans for delayed property taxes. Antioch CCSD 34 anticipates delays following the village's rejection of its permit request for a new facility. Springfield SD 186 and Evanston/Skokie SD 65 face down deficits. Also in the news: beta testing and collaboration in Riverside SD 96.

Cook County awards $191 million in loans to bridge property tax payout gap
A.D. Quig, Claire Murphy, Evy Lewis, and Christopher Placek, Chicago Tribune Media, September 20

Antioch planning board opposes D34 school building permit: ‘Surprised and disappointed’
Joseph States, Pioneer Press, September 21

'Everything will be put on the table' as D186 budget deficit nears $11M
Steven Spearie, Springfield State Journal-Register

Evanston District 65 proposes cutting $20 million, closing two schools to end budget crisis
Claire Murphy, Pioneer Press, September 19

Blythe Park students beta test new playground equipment
Gregg Voss, Riverside-Brookfield Landmark, September 20

In today’s Leading News, read about ongoing school district contract negotiations with teachers and staff. Also in the news, the movement to “rethink screentime” in schools.

Mahomet-Seymour teachers union OKs potential strike
Jana Wiersema, Champaign News-Gazette, September 17

Crystal Lake school bus drivers working without contract
Claire O'Brien, Shaw Local Media/Northwest Herald, September 17

Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills District 181 OKs new deal with support staff
Chuck Fieldman, Pioneer Press, September 17

Cahokia teachers poised to strike as contract talks hit impasse
Blythe Bernhard, Post-Dispatch, St. Louis, September 15

'I don't want my children to be guinea pigs anymore': inside the movement to rethink screentime in Illinois schools
Peter Medlin, Northern Public Radio, DeKalb, September 18

In today’s Leading News, La Moille CUSD 303 discusses the deactivation of its high school. THSD 214 (Arlington Heights) has been cleared following an ethics complaint. The school board for Lincoln-Way CHSD 210 has agreed to allow students to withdraw rather than be expelled after reported racist incidents. CPS school board candidates discuss the potential for closing schools. Also in the news, ProPublica looks at school voucher programs for children with disabilities.

LaMoille provides high school deactivation update
Mathias Woerner, Shaw Local, Illinois Valley, September 15

Ethics probe clears District 214 for pre-referendum polling, but critic calls it ‘unwritten loophole’
Christopher Placek, Daily Herald, September 17

Lincoln-Way board votes to allow students involved in racist incident to withdraw instead of being expelled
Michael O’Brien, Chicago Sun-Times, September 17

Should Chicago close more schools? Candidates for school board president diverge on key issue
Sarah Karp, WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times, September 17

Vouchers Promise Students With Disabilities a Path to Private School. Parents Say That’s Not the Reality.
Jennifer Berry Hawes and Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, September 11

In today’s Leading News, close out the week with a round of local media coverage of public schools and student experiences.

East Aurora High School’s homecoming parade is coming back on Friday, Sept. 18
Molly Morrow, Aurora Beacon-News, September 16

Freeport High School celebrates 100 years
Anthony Ferretti, WIFR, Rockford, September 12

Hillcrest High School celebrates grade-level teams bringing academic progress
Elena Tittel, Daily Southtown, September 14

J-MG introduces complimentary mascot
Terra Temple, Metropolis Planet, September 17

Joliet West culinary arts students gain work experience, service hours at Fire Department ceremony
Jessie Molloy, Shaw Local/Joliet Herald-News, September 14

Metro East Literacy Project puts books in hands of young readers, their parents
Miya Norfleet St. Louis Public Radio/Belleville News-Democrat, September 7

More than donuts: Celebrating fathers, students together
Donnette Beckett, Decatur Herald and Review, September 15

SIU hosts local high school musicians Wednesday on Percussion Day
Pete Rosenbery, The Southern Illinoisan, September 16

In today’s Leading News, read another round of coverage as districts address situations related to student and staff safety.

Digital maps aim to speed emergency response at District 87 schools
Mateusz Janik, Bloomington Pantagraph, September 17

Elgin Township joining forces with schools, nonprofits on youth mental health programs
Mike Danahey, Elgin Courier-News, August 28

School bus aide charged after 12-year-old student found gun and fired out bus window in Bridgeport
Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, September 15

2 Champaign school buses collide on way to marching-band competition; no one hurt
Jana Wiersema, Champaign News-Gazette, September 14

3 juvenile girls are facing felony charges after threatening an Addison school
Rick West, Daily Herald, September 15

In today’s Leading News, districts address situations related to student and staff safety.

Indian Prairie District 204 saw fewer aggression, technology-based student infractions last year, officials say
Molly Morrow, Aurora Beacon-News, September 15

‘We know that trust isn’t restored by a statement’: District 128 pledges reforms after teacher grooming accusations
Joseph States, Chicago Tribune/Daily Herald, September 15

District Office staff relocated after Paris school district employee has ‘encounter’ with bat
Molly Sweeny, WCIA, Champaign, September 13

District 130 teachers, ex-custodians clash with board over school conditions after staffing change
Maher Kawash and Cate Cauguiran, WLS, Chicago, September 15

What school bus drivers want you to know about keeping kids safe
Brittany Blackwell, Troy Times Tribune, September 9

In today’s Leading News, contract talks reach a critical point in Cahokia Unit SD 187 and reach an agreement Fisher CUSD 1. THSD 214 (Arlington Heights) and Yorkville CUSD 115 discuss upcoming referendums. Also in the news, read about ISBE’s updated school meal eligibility requirements.

Teachers union in Cahokia school district authorizes strike if deal isn’t reached
Brian Heffernan, St. Louis Public Radio, September 12

Fisher school district, education association reach tentative agreement
Ethan Holesha, WCIA, Champaign, September 9

Behind the walls: District 214 invites residents to tour aging schools
Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, September 13

Yorkville school superintendent calls facilities plan under proposed $159M referendum a ‘good first step’
Joey Weslo, Shaw Local Media/Kendall County Now, September 9

Updated income eligibility guidelines set for school meals
Herald-Whig, Quincy, September 11

In today’s Leading News, read more media coverage of 9/11 observances and teaching. Also in the news, AI for and against in Chicago.

How teachers’ experiences inform lessons on a historic tragedy 25 years later
Madhu Krishnamurthy, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, September 10

Teaching 9/11 changes as Central Illinois students grow more distant from the attacks
Kaitlyn Klepec, Drew Zimmerman, Bloomington Pantagraph, September 11

The 9/11 story America's teachers keep telling
Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY/Kewanee Star Courier, September 8

Chicago school board candidates sign pledge to ban AI use in schools
Mila Koumpilova, Chalkbeat Chicago, September 10

First AI-driven, teacher-free school in Chicago opens with $55,000 annual tuition
Izzy Stroobandt, WMAQ/NBC 5 Chicago, September 11

In today’s Leading News, remembering and teaching 9/11.

Teaching 9/11 When Students—and Their Parents—Don’t Remember It
Caitlynn Peetz Stephens, Education Week, September 9 

Professor analyzes what schools do and don't teach about 9/11 and the subsequent wars
Ayesha Rascoe, NPR, September 6 

One lawmaker proposing legislation to require Illinois schools to teach about the events of 9/11
Michelle Eccles, NPR Illinois, September 11 

Most states prompt schools to teach about 9/11, but the details differ, AP finds
Jennifer Peltz, Associated Press, September 8 

Students with President George W. Bush on 9/11 reflect on the day: 'You could see it on his face'
Mason Leib, ABC News, September 11

In today’s Leading News, school districts engage in conversations with their communities. 

District 214 offering behind-the-scenes tours before $295 million referendum
Christopher Placek, The Daily Herald, September 8, 2026

Carthage school board members address recent concerns from public
KHQA, Quincy, September 7

Rock Island State of the Schools Address highlights growth and goals for future
Cesar Toscano, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, September 8

Parents express concern as Rockford Public Schools faces occupational therapy shortage
Ma’rico Holland, WTVO, Rockford, September 10

A-C Central seeks input on four areas of district strategic plan
Jacksonville Journal-Courier, September 8

In today’s Leading News, tech talk at all levels of education. Also in the news, a tragedy in Frankfort, where a child has died after being struck by a school bus.

Schools Caught Flat-Footed After Google Makes Gemini Chatbot Available to All Students
Grace Jiang, Education Week, September 1

Minooka High forms committee ahead of classroom cellphone ban
Dave Fidlin, Shaw Local Media, September 3

States urge schools to use AI, but leave teachers on their own to stop cheating
Lily Altavena, Chalkbeat, September 2

Time limits and a midnight cutoff: Meta’s new rules for kids go further, but critics say not enough
Wyatte Grantham-Philips and Barbara Ortutay, AP/Chicago Tribune, August 27

6-year-old killed in school bus accident in Frankfort
Daily Southtown, September 8

In today’s Leading News, Roxana CUSD 1 and its teachers have reached a tentative contract. CPS policies supporting transgender students draws attention in Congress. Also in the news, read about protests and allegations of racial incidents involving south suburban school districts.

Roxana teachers, school board reach tentative contract deal
Scott Cousins, Alton Telegraph, September 1

U.S. House committee reviewing whether CPS policies that support transgender students violate federal law
Sarah Karp, Chicago Sun-Times, August 27

Lincoln-Way East students removed from Homewood-Flossmoor football game for alleged ‘racist harassment’
 Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, September 6

Second racist Lincoln-Way East incident alleged by Homewood-Flossmoor
 Michael O’Brien, Chicago Sun-Times, September 8

Lincoln-Way East students plan walkout over racial harassment incident at Homewood-Flossmoor football game
Michael O’Brien, Chicago Sun-Times, September 8

In today’s Leading News, AI is an emerging issue in Chicago School Board campaigns. Niles North THD 219 updates their school resource officer agreement to align with changes to the school code. High temperatures are forcing changes at districts throughout the state. Also in the news, a Naperville school welcomes back their own superhero. 

Chicago school board candidates asked to sign pledge restricting AI, screen time

Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, September 3

As Niles North teacher faces federal charges, pact clarifies schools’ communication with Skokie police

Kevin Tanaka, Pioneer Press/Chicago Tribune, September 2

CPS students ordered to stay indoors during extreme heat warning

Sun-Times Wire, Chicago Sun-Times, September 2

Area high school sports adjusting to heat wave

Pete Hayes, The Telegraph, Alton, September 1

Naperville’s Scott Elementary gives its ‘king’ a superhero’s welcome

Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, September 1

In today’s Leading News, Chicago Public Schools adjusted policy to make it easier for students experiencing homelessness to enroll. A downstate district ran into enrollment issues. A defunct Chicago charter school built with taxpayer dollars said it will let a court decide where proceeds from the sale of the facility should go. CPS extends free WiFi program for students. Also in the News, New York City public schools ban AI use for elementary and middle school students.

CPS policy seeks to make it easier for students experiencing homelessness to enroll in school and get support

Emmanuel Camarillo, Chicago Sun-Times, August 28

Cahokia enrollment problems keep students out of class, families in a scramble

Madison Lammert, Bellville News-Democrat, August 28

Aspira to let judge decide what happens to money from sale of taxpayer-funded school, after WBEZ report

Sarah Karp, Chicago Sun-Times, September 1

Chicago extends program offering free Wifi to CPS students

Mary Norkol, Chicago Sun-Times, September 2

New York City public schools ban AI for students through 8th grade

Anthony Izaguirre, Associated Press/Chicago Tribune, September 2

In today’s Leading News, Griggsville-Perry CUSD 4 students start looking to their futures, Peoria SD 150 hires an outside firm to audit finances, money is provided to U-46 to address youth mental health, and CHSD 230 has an exciting start to the school year. In other news, Belvidere CUSD 100 is planning $70 million in maintenance.

New partnership helps students develop plans for life after graduation 
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, August 31

Peoria Public Schools hires outside firm to audit finances 
Zach Roth, Peoria Journal Star, August 25

Elgin Township joining forces with schools, nonprofits on youth mental health programs 
Mike Danahey, Daily Herald, August 29

High School District 230 welcomes new teachers, celebrates ‘exciting start’ after stormy summer 
Evy Lewis, Daily Southtown, August 28

Belvidere School District planning $70 million for urgent maintenance without tax hike 
Ma’rico Holland, WTVO, Rockford, August 24

In today’s Leading News, Illinois receives money in the Meta settlement, U.S. House committee is reviewing whether CPS policies violate student law, Oak Park-River Forest HSD 200 board OKs money for technology replacement, and Pikeland CUSD 10 adopts a new strategic plan. In other news, meet the candidates for the next Chicago school board president.

Illinois to receive up to $768M in Meta settlement over teen social media addiction 
Hannah Meisel, CNI/Belleville News-Democrat, August 28

U.S. House committee reviewing whether CPS policies that support transgender students violate federal law 
Sarah Karp, Chicago Sun-Times, August 27

Oak Park and River Forest High School board OKs $140K for technology replacement 
Cam'ron Hardy, Pioneer Press, August 28

Pikeland adopts new strategic plan 
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, August 27

Who will be the next Chicago school board president? Meet the candidates. 
Chicago Tribune, August 28