Chicago teacher sees firsthand what union values: it isn’t students

11/17/2021

Allowing teachers unions to hold students and homeowners hostage is not the norm.

TAGS: Amendment 1, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Chicago schools cancel class for COVID-19 ‘Vaccine Awareness Day’

By Dylan Sharkey

11/05/2021

Chicago Public Schools declared a day off for students ages 5 to 11 to get their COVID-19 shots. But little notice and the fact the vaccines were just approved for younger children mean parents face challenges to actually getting shots for their kids.

TAGS: COVID-19, CPS: Chicago Public Schools, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

1-in-5 Illinois students chronically truant thanks to COVID-19 mandates

By Patrick Andriesen

11/03/2021

Illinois students were missing – in masses – during the COVID-19 restrictions on in-person learning. As a result, nearly 20% fewer students met math and English proficiency standards.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, public schools, truancy

Steep property tax hikes to hit Chicago businesses struggling from pandemic

By Amy Korte

11/02/2021

While phasing in the tax impact of sharp increases in assessed value could help Cook County’s commercial property owners adjust, holding down property taxes requires reducing spending through public pension reform in Illinois.

TAGS: Chicago, Cook County, COVID-19, property taxes, small business

What you need to know about giving unions special treatment in Illinois’ constitution

By Mailee Smith

10/13/2021

If passed by voters in November 2022, an amendment to the Illinois Constitution would allow collective bargaining agreements to override state law forever. That gives more power to union bosses than to state lawmakers – and voters.

TAGS: Amendment 1, collective bargaining, government unions, Illinois

Chicago leaves 3,300 students stranded without a school bus ride

By Dylan Sharkey

10/13/2021

Chicago Public Schools’ shortage of school bus drivers has gotten worse. Sending kids to school with a rideshare driver makes some parents nervous.

TAGS: bus drivers, CPS: Chicago Public Schools, shortage

Chicago Public Schools have lost 25,000 students since COVID-19 hit

By Robert Brutvan

09/29/2021

As enrollment declines CPS may lose its spot as the third-largest school district nationally, yet spending increases continue.

TAGS: COVID-19, CPS: Chicago Public Schools

Chicago Teachers Union claims ‘impasse’ over COVID-19 school reopenings

By Patrick Andriesen

08/19/2021

The CTU president said there was an impasse, with union leaders and Chicago Public Schools administrators divided on quarantine policies and remote learning options for students. School administrators said the union is ‘rejecting the science for their own gain.’

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Pritzker administration forces Christian school to follow mask mandate

By Noah Shaar

08/16/2021

Timothy Christian Schools tried to keep their mask-optional policy despite Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s statewide school mask mandate. The state quickly stripped the schools of their recognition, crippling their high school seniors as they started college applications. Masks are now on.

TAGS: COVID-19, JB Pritzker, masks, private schools

Chicago Public Schools hiring 2,000 staffers, but might be missing 100,000 students

By Patrick Andriesen

08/11/2021

The Chicago Board of Education approved a $9.3 billion budget that hires 2,000 new, permanent staff using temporary COVID-19 federal aid. There are also concerns about whether 100,000 students will return.

TAGS: COVID-19, CPS: Chicago Public Schools

Chicago Public Schools

Chicago teacher sees firsthand what union values: it isn’t students

Chicago schools cancel class for COVID-19 ‘Vaccine Awareness Day’

1-in-5 Illinois students chronically truant thanks to COVID-19 mandates

Steep property tax hikes to hit Chicago businesses struggling from pandemic

What you need to know about giving unions special treatment in Illinois’ constitution

Chicago leaves 3,300 students stranded without a school bus ride

Chicago Public Schools have lost 25,000 students since COVID-19 hit

Chicago Teachers Union claims ‘impasse’ over COVID-19 school reopenings

Pritzker administration forces Christian school to follow mask mandate

Chicago Public Schools hiring 2,000 staffers, but might be missing 100,000 students

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