Springfield couldn’t bail out Chicago Public Schools even if it wanted to

By Ted Dabrowski

02/05/2016

State-run teacher pensions have a shortfall of $37,000 per student, while Chicago's shortfall totals $24,000.

TAGS: Chicago, CPS: Chicago Public Schools, education, pensions

Chicago Public Schools sells $725M in bonds with 8.5% interest rate

By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner

02/03/2016

The district’s borrowing does take pressure off of the district’s immediate cash-flow problem. However, it does nothing to solve the CPS’ long-term financial crisis and its structural imbalances – in fact it only makes things worse.

TAGS: Chicago, CPS: Chicago Public Schools, credit rating, education

New proposal would hold schools accountable for ensuring students can read

By Ted Dabrowski

01/31/2016

Across the state, only 36 percent of third-grade black children read at grade level in 2014, while only 39 percent of Hispanic children met the standards. Yet state education rules force 4th grade children to advance to the next grade – whether they’re reading-ready or not.

TAGS: college readiness, education

Illinois’ statewide, unfunded mandates limit school-district budget flexibility

By John Klingner

09/21/2015

It’s time to end Illinois’ practice of mandating spending and curriculum requirements – and give control back to local school districts.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, education, property taxes

School’s out of options: 7 things you should know about Chicago’s teacher pension system

By Ted Dabrowski

06/25/2015

As contract negotiations heat up this summer, the facts are hard to stomach.

TAGS: budget, contract, CPS: Chicago Public Schools, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, education, pensions, taxes

Illinois 36th, Indiana 3rd in new state freedom index

By Austin Berg

03/04/2015

Lack of school choice, a stifling regulatory climate and high taxes puts Illinois in the bottom third of the country on the First in Freedom Index.

TAGS: education, Freedom index, regulations

State of the state: 10 facts you need to know about public education in IL

By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner

02/03/2015

High levels of spending and a one-size-fits-all educational system have not been able to boost student achievement in Illinois.

TAGS: education

Illinois school districts seeking 14 countywide sales tax hikes in November

By Brian Costin

09/12/2014

School districts in 14 Illinois counties are pushing for countywide increases in sales tax rates. These counties are utilizing the 2007 Illinois County School Facility Tax Act, or ICSFTA, which allows school boards representing 51 percent of a county’s population to put a referendum on the ballot for a countywide sales tax increase to fund...

TAGS: education, sales tax

Openthebooks.com examines soaring school district spending in IL

By Brian Costin

09/06/2014

Illinoisans’ average property tax rates as a percentage of home value have soared to 2.28 percent in 2012 from 1.93 percent in 2010. This is the second highest rate in the nation. Many Illinois residents are asking why their taxes are so high, and are curious as to where all this is money going. One organization,...

TAGS: education, good government, transparency

What Madigan won’t tell you about education spending

03/22/2014

When House Speaker Michael Madigan issued a press release about his new tax proposal yesterday – which levies a 3 percent surcharge on income over $1 million, which Madigan said will provide funding for schools – he highlighted the struggles of districts across the state to balance their books. Unfortunately, he neglected to mention these...

TAGS: education

education

Springfield couldn’t bail out Chicago Public Schools even if it wanted to

Chicago Public Schools sells $725M in bonds with 8.5% interest rate

New proposal would hold schools accountable for ensuring students can read

Illinois’ statewide, unfunded mandates limit school-district budget flexibility

School’s out of options: 7 things you should know about Chicago’s teacher pension system

Illinois 36th, Indiana 3rd in new state freedom index

State of the state: 10 facts you need to know about public education in IL

Illinois school districts seeking 14 countywide sales tax hikes in November

Openthebooks.com examines soaring school district spending in IL

What Madigan won’t tell you about education spending

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students