Illinois education officials summarized public input gathered at budget hearings in September and October. Transportation and increasing the state’s evidence-based funding formula by at least $350 million were the most frequent budget requests made by the public.
The LEARN charter school network is appealing to the state a decision by North Chicago District 187 to close two schools it operates in the suburban community in 2027. That district is in the process of transitioning out of state oversight.
The new accountability system used to measure school quality and improvement would include five labels: Exemplary, Commendable, Approaching, Developing, and Comprehensive.
Last fall, State Superintendent Tony Sanders flagged the disconnect between steady standardized test declines at high school level and the rise in graduation rates as a concern . But this week, he said he's not worried.
With new standardized testing cut scores in place, Illinois reports higher proficiency rates among students in English and math. But comparisons to past years are now difficult.
Union members who spoke outside the capitol Wednesday advocated for taxing the ultra-wealthy to dedicate more funding to K-12 schools through the evidence-based formula and support a more equitable system for funding public universities in the state.
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $16.6 billion city budget plan would declare a $1 billion surplus from special taxing districts known as TIFs. Chicago Public Schools would get more than half.
Math scores dropped during the COVID pandemic and haven’t fully recovered. Illinois’ draft numeracy plan aims to provide districts with resources for improving math instruction.
The new Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors 28 schools across the state and locally revives a long-standing national honor that was abruptly canceled by the Trump administration in August.
District officials urged the school board to make ChiArts, a West Side contract high school, a district-run school, and winding down EPIC Academy, a South Side charter high school.