In today’ Leading News, a look at the education-related legislation that is making headlines. Also in the news, response begins in the wake of a mass school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee.

Education legislation takes center stage in General Assembly
Patrick Keck, State Journal-Register, Springfield, March 27

Native American history, repatriation measures advance in Illinois House
Nika Schoonover, CNI/Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, March 27

Police: Nashville school shooter had detailed maps of school, entered building by shooting through door before killings
AP/Shaw Local, March 27

Highland Park parade survivor finds herself at another mass shooting after latest lobbying mission
Gavin Good, Chicago Tribune, March 27

Mass school shootings kill 175 from Columbine to Nashville
AP/Belleville News-Democrat, March 28
 

In today’ Leading News, a federal bill with a “focus on parental control over public school classrooms” moves to the Senate.  In Illinois, the General Assembly looks at kindergarten, and conversations continue in school board campaigns.

House Republicans pass ‘parents’ rights’ bill in fight over schools
PBS, March 24

Illinois lawmakers approve kindergarten reform, plan to address childhood literacy
Andrew Adams, CNI/Rockford Register Star, March 27

Suburban school board races heat up over library books, sex ed
Katlyn Smith, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, March 27

Few contested races in the mix for Macon County school boards
Scott Perry, Decatur Herald and Review, March 25

Conservatives are targeting suburban school boards. And the elections are becoming political battlegrounds.
Dan Petrella and Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, March 26

In today’s Leading News, the CPS Board of Education seeks additional state funding in the face of mounting deficits. CCSD 21 schools will have school resource officers present for the 2023-2024 school year. A record amount of book ban attempts flooded school and public libraries in 2022. The Quincy school board approved a plan to overhaul a site for their transportation, maintenance, and technology departments. Also in the news, Ag and FFA programs see large student increases in two districts.

‘Now is the time’ for new mayor, General Assembly to avoid $600M CPS deficit, Board of Ed says
Nader Issa and Sarah Karp, WBEZ/Chicago Sun Times, March 22

School resource officers to be present in CCSD21 schools
Daily Herald, Chicago Suburbs, March 22

Library association reports record book ban attempts in 2022
Hillel Italie, AP/Belleville News-Democrat, March 23

School Board approves renovation bid for K&L Arena
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, March 22

FFA not just for high-schoolers at Mahomet-Seymour, Blue Ridge
Dave Hinton, News-Gazette, Champaign, March 23

In today’s Leading News, Illinois educators turn to tutoring to tackle pandemic learning loss. Altamont Unit 10 approved new curriculum materials. A busy Illinois House of Representatives passed more than 100 bills, some impacting education. The Belleville News-Democrat looks at laws and policies regarding bathroom access for transgender students. Also in the news, Quincy students make port pillows for cancer patients.  

Illinois educators try to tackle pandemic learning loss with high-impact tutoring  
Susie An, WBEZ/Chicago Sun Times, March 21 

Unit 10 approves purchase of new curriculum materials  
Nick Taylor, Effingham Daily News, March 14 

Illinois House passes more than 100 bills including book ban policy for public libraries 
Patrick Keck, State Journal-Register, Springfield, March 23

What laws say transgender students have a right to use bathroom matching gender identity?  
Lexi Cortes, Belleville News-Democrat, March 22 

QHS National Honor Society members make port pillows for cancer patients 
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, March 21

In today’s Leading News, hear about the different approaches to education from both Chicago mayoral candidates. Book bans highlight the divide about LGBTQ content in school libraries. The head of a state teachers union says fixing the educator shortage is a top priority. Six candidates on the ballot in Stevenson District 125. Also in the news, Maine THSD 207 looks to tighten student residency requirements.

Chicago’s mayoral candidates have radically different approaches to fixing public schools. Here’s why.  
Nader Issa, Lauren FitzPatrick and Sarah Karp, WBEZ/Chicago Sun Times, March 17

School library book bans are seen as targeting LGBTQ content  
Scott McFetridge, Anothony Izaguirre, and Sara Cline, AP/Decatur Herald Review, March 20

Longtime Thornridge High School teacher heading state union says addressing teacher shortage a priority
Mike Nolan, Daily Southtown/Chicago Tribune, March 20

Four incumbents face two challengers in race for four seats on the Stevenson District 125 board
Mick Zawislak, Daily Herald, Chicago Suburbs, March 21

Maine South and D207 tightening residency rules after lost football season, superintendent says
Caroline Kubzansky, Pioneer Press/Chicago Tribune, March 21

In today’s Leading News, an interview with the new ISBE Superintendent Tony Sanders. One suburban district looks to build their teacher pipeline. The Maine THSD 207 board is set to discuss roofing contracts. Read about how Illinois schools are trying to diversify their educator workforce to help students. Also in the news, the connection between hungry students and their ability to learn.
 
ISBE's Tony Sanders wanted to be 'the next Johnny Fever.' He wound up in his dad's office
Steven Spearie, State Journal-Register, Springfield, March 20
 
Hoping students become the teachers: Suburban districts' programs aim to build teacher pipeline
Alicia Fabbre, Daily Herald, Chicago Suburbs, March 20
 
District 207 board set to approve $1.1 million in roofing contracts
Daily Herald report, Daily Herald, Chicago Suburbs, March 17
 
How Illinois schools are trying to make their teacher workforce more diverse to help all students
Peter Medlin, Northern Public Radio, March 9
 
'It's hard to focus': Schools say American kids are hungry
 Cheyanne Mumphrey and Arleigh Rodgers, AP/ Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, March 11

In today’s Leading News, a U.S. Representative toured Belleville 201’s new vocational center. Springfield school board candidates attend a diversity and equity forum. McLean County Unit 5 board members discuss the impacts of an upcoming referendum vote. Candidates drop out from the District 211 upcoming election. Also in the news, a former public schools security officer makes history in the Illinois House.
 
New U.S. rep tours Belleville District 201’s state-of-the-art vocational center 
Derik Holtmann, Belleville News-Democrat, March 216

District 186 school board candidates face questions of diversity, equity at forum
Steven Spearie, State Journal-Register, Springfield, March 17

Unit 5 shares tale of two districts, outlining impact of upcoming referendum vote
Michele Steinbacher, WGLT, Normal, March 16

And then there were 10; District 211 candidate withdraws from race after forum
Eric Peterson, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, March 16

A watchful eye: Nicole Hill makes history as chief doorkeeper for Illinois House
Tiffani Jackson, State Journal-Register, Springfield, Mach 20

In today’s Leading News, discussions, issues, forums, and questionnaires continue in advance of the April 4 school board elections. Also in the news, clearing the air?

Unit 5 board hears from referendum supporters
Connor Wood, Bloomington Pantagraph, March 15

Block schedule, book banning among controversial issues in District 99 school board race
Shaw Local, Suburban Life, March 14

Candidates in jam-packed Jacksonville school board race address issues at forum
Dave Dawson, Jacksonville Journal Courier, March 16

2023 Voter Guide: Candidates running for school board elections
Belleville News-Democrat, March 17

Illinois to spend $30M to get air purifiers into classrooms
Jon Asplund, Crain’s Chicago Business, March 17
 

In today’s Leading News, renovations are planned for Rantoul THSD 193. Naperville CUSD 203 makes hiring calls. New Trier THSD 203 considers problem absenteeism. Students concerns about safety issues walk out at Elmwood Park CUSD 401. Also in the news, educators gather at the WELL Summit.

Partial renovation project approved at Rantoul High School
Dave Hinton, Champaign News-Gazette, March 15

Naperville 203 officials recommending 21 new hires for 2023-24
Kevin Schmit, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, March 7

New Trier High School seniors chronic absenteeism peaks at 38%
Daniel I. Dorfman, Pioneer Press/Wilmette Life, March 14

Students walk out at Elmwood Park High School over safety concerns: ‘Fear has no place here’
Pioneer Press/Elm Leaves, March 14

Drinking from the ‘WELL’: Twin Cities summit spotlights Illinois women in educational leadership
Lauren Warnecke, WGLT, Normal
 

In today’s Leading News, Illinois approved a law for employee paid time off “for any reason.” Also in the news, conversations continue in advance of the April 4 consolidated election, and a trio of state leaders encourages informed voting in a Daily Herald opinion piece.

Illinois enacts mandatory paid leave 'for any reason'
Claire Savage, AP/Report for America, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, March 13

Niles D219 High School students question board candidates on priorities
Caroline Kubzansky and Brian L. Cox, Pioneer Press/Lincolnwood Review, March 13

School board candidate forum set March 22 in Alton
Alton Telegraph, March 10

Here's how District 186 should handle school violence according to board candidates
Steven Spearie, State Journal-Register, Springfield, March 9

Opinion: Why your vote matters more than ever for schools, libraries
Jim Edgar, Jesse White, and Cheri Bustos, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, March 12
 

In today’s Leading News, Bloomington SD 87 looks at ways to move forward on funding. The discussion continues on use of law enforcement in schools. Elmhurst CUSD 205 follows up a candidate forum. A graduation party with a twist will take place in Mattoon CUSD 2. Also in the news, a River Tails CUSD 26 school – featured in the March/April IASB Journal -- is named a Green Ribbon School.

Legislation would allow District 87 to buy building without referendum
Kelsey Watznauer and Brenden Moore, Bloomington Pantagraph, March 7

Federal government investigating Jacksonville school where students with disabilities were frequently arrested
Jennifer Smith Richards and Jodi S. Cohen, Chicago Tribune and ProPublica/Jacksonville Journal Courier, March 8

Elmhurst School District 205 responds to candidate questions on finances, performance
Graydon Megan, Pioneer Press/Elmhurst, March 10

Project Graduation tradition continues
Journal Gazette and Times Courier, Charleston/Mattoon, February 26

Mount Prospect school receives Green Ribbon Award for sustainability efforts
Daily Herald Chicago suburbs, March 9
 

In today’s Leading News, headlines point to partisanship in Illinois' non-partisan school board elections; it’s a different focus Indiana. Also in the news, East St. Louis SD 189 has a winning team.

Pritzker donation raises concerns of partisan influence on school board races
Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, March 13

Rally defends diversity in Oswego SD308: ‘Our community will not be bullied, threatened or bought’
Mark Foster, Kendall County Now, March 11

Outside conservative groups back candidates as school board races become ideological battlegrounds
Char Daston, Amy Qin, WBEZ, Chicago, March 9

Indiana bill for switch to partisan school boards stalls
Tom Davies, Associated Press, February 27

Gesture by East St. Louis team 'brought tears to my eyes'
Jim Rossow, Champaign News-Gazette, March 12
 

In today’s Leading News, read about the questions and answers as local media reports on school board candidate forums.

Diversity, finances among issues at Bloomington-Normal school board candidates' forum
Connor Wood, Bloomington Pantagraph, March 10

District 64 candidates address test scores, administrative departures
Russell Lissau, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, March 9

DeKalb District 428 school board candidates weigh in on priorities, school safety, diversity ahead of election
Megann Horstead, DeKalb Daily Chronicle, March 10

What District 186 board candidates say about purchasing land for new elementary school
Steven Spearie, State Journal-Register, Springfield, March 9

District 214 school board candidates say next superintendent should be more visible
Christopher Placek, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, March 9
 

In today’s Leading News, boards of education across the state make plans for future students. Also in the news, proposed legislation is directed at book-banning efforts.

Mahomet-Seymour school board takes longer look at bullying issues
Dave Hinton, Champaign News-Gazette, March 8

Full-day kindergarten on its way: 25 new Dist. 25 classrooms earn Arlington Heights approval
Christopher Placek, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, March 7

Decatur school board sets calendars for next two years
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, March 7

How will DeKalb 428 solve its space issues?
Options range from buying $1.8M NIU building to $38M new school
Megann Horstead, DeKalb Daily Chronicle, February 28

Legislation aims to deter book bans at public libraries by withholding grants
Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, March 8
 

In today’s Leading News, anticipating the April 4 school board elections. Also in the news, a national study reports lying about coronavirus in kids.

Evanston school board candidates say campaigning costs pose barriers
Madison Bratley, Daily Northwestern, Evanston, March 8

Three of seven District 186 board of education seats being contested on April 4
Steven Spearie, State Journal-Register, March 8

Glenview District 34 candidates talk construction, finances
Dave Oberhelman, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, March 2

Elgin News Digest: U-46 School Board candidate forum being held March 9.   
Mike Danahey, Elgin Courier-News, March 2

Study: 1 in 4 parents misled others about their child’s COVID status earlier in the pandemic
Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, March 6
 

In today’s Leading News, catch up with the progress of bills and proposals in state government. Also in the news, disruption sin board meetings are among the issues noted in the recent “State of Education Report” of the Illinois Education Association.

Full-day kindergarten bill passes committee, amendment in the works
Patrick Keck, State Journal-Register, March 6

Police are still ticketing students in Illinois schools. A new bill would make that illegal.
Jodi S. Cohen and Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica/Chicago Tribune, March 3

Deadline nears for Senate bill submissions
Alton Telegraph, March 6

Pritzker touts $70 million plan for addressing teacher shortage
Nika Schoonover, CNI/Champaign News-Gazette, March 3

Unruly school board meetings among the hot-button topics highlighted in annual education report
Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, March 3
 

In today’s Leading News, school districts across the state consider the security of schools and safety and well-being of students.

DeKalb report on increased District 428 school resource police officer presence receives favorable review
Megann Horstead, DeKalb Daily Chronicle, February 26

CPS to spend $76 million on school security cameras, but experts see downsides to more surveillance
Sarah Macaraeg, Chicago Tribune, February 22

Central Illinois drivers' education students presented with shocking information
Donnette Beckett, Decatur Herald and Review, February 23

District 204 hosting mental health symposium
Kevin Schmit, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, March 2

Office referrals, out of school suspensions up at QJHS
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, February 16
 

In today’s Leading News, education-related post-pandemic conversations continue, three years after the first Illinois cases.

Half of nation's students fell behind a year during COVID-19 pandemic. How do we recover?
Kayla Jimenez, USA TODAY, February 11

Tutoring program helps metro-east students overcome pandemic learning loss
Will Bauer, St. Louis Public Radio/Belleville News-Democrat, February 23

Pembroke school district seeks tutors for pandemic learning recovery
Kankakee Daily Journal, February 25

What should Huntley 158's school board do about test scores?
James T. Norman, Daily Herald, Chicago suburbs, March 1

For poor schools, building repairs zap COVID relief money
Sharon Lurye, AP/Southern Illinoisan, Carbondale, February 28
 

In today’s Leading News, candidates for their local boards of education discuss the issues and why they are running. Also in the news, Cooper the therapy dog is onboarded just in time to offer calm in the storm in a Rantoul City SD 137 elementary school.

Dist. 57 Candidates Divulge Thoughts On Full-Day Kindergarten
Richard Mayer, Journal and Topics, Chicago suburbs, March 1

Some Unit 5 school board candidates are touting e-learning as a solution to the district's budget crisis
Lyndsay Jones, WGLT, Normal, February 28

Kaneland school board candidates get personal on reasons for running for election during forum
Chris Walker, Kane County Chronicle, February 24

Hot dog: Cooper all the rage at Rantoul's Broadmeadow Elementary
Jeff D’Alessio, Champaign News-Gazette, February 24

School therapy dog comforts kids during tornado warning
Scarlett O'Hara, WCIA, Champaign, February 28