Mila Koumpilova

Mila Koumpilova

Senior Reporter, Chalkbeat Chicago

Mila Koumpilova is a Senior Reporter at Chalkbeat Chicago. She previously wrote about higher education and immigration at the Star Tribune newspaper in Minneapolis. Mila has also covered education at the St. Paul Pioneer Press and The Forum in Fargo, N.D. A former North Dakota Rookie Reporter of the Year, she has received recognition from the Education Writers Association, the Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists and others. She is a graduate of the American University in Bulgaria and the Missouri School of Journalism.

The district’s preliminary scores on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness show improvement after COVID-era dips.

Thousands of school-aged children are among the new migrant arrivals and enrolling them into local public schools is a priority for the city of Chicago. The new “welcome center” will help newcomer families get help signing up for school, making medical and dental appointments, and enrolling in public benefits, such as food assistance and Medicaid.

The committee recommends giving students a greater voice in their education — and paying them for their service.

Jianan Shi, of the parent group Raise Your Hand, will replace departing board President Miguel del Valle. Elizabeth Todd-Breland is the only existing member who will continue on the board.

The district has reduced the number of officers on campus by almost half since 2020, but momentum on that effort is slowing.

Jen Johnson took over as Chicago’s point person at city hall on education, youth, and human services in May. First up on her agenda? Youth jobs, helping migrant families, and expanding community schools.

Advocates expressed concerns with equitably funding schools and board members discussed long-term financial plans.