Cook County property tax delays hit Evanston, other schools

By LyLena Estabine

01/29/2026

Cook County’s delayed property tax bills are straining school districts with nearly $122 million in unexpected, unneeded costs.

Studies not enough to cut administrative bloat in Illinois schools

By Lilly Rossi

09/15/2025

The Illinois State Board of Education is giving school districts an incentive to study consolidation, but a flawed process still stands in the way. The state has too many school districts, driving up administrative costs and property taxes.

How Chicago’s election timing suppresses voting

By Gerrin Alexander, Austin Berg, Jon Josko

03/26/2025

Disproportionate and low voter turnout presents challenges for municipal democracy nationwide. However, a straightforward reform acknowledged by scholars and policymakers – aligning the timing of municipal elections to coincide with general elections – offers a clear solution to enhance voter participation significantly. Research shows the timing of local elections influences voter turnout, which subsequently impacts...

Illinois school boards should provide opportunities to all kids in their districts

By Mailee Smith

01/27/2025

Some Illinois school boards allow all resident children – including private and homeschooled kids – to participate in district activities. That should be the case for all taxpaying families in all districts.

TAGS: public schools

Forced agenda: Chicago Teachers Union contract aims to dictate radical, costly worldview to Chicagoans

By Mailee Smith

07/02/2024

The Chicago Teachers Union is putting political goals in its contract demands, something not found in other large cities. It is trying to impose policy on the public without elected representatives debating whether the policies will hurt students and taxpayers.

Full-day kindergarten mandate hits governor’s desk, but costs remain unknown

By Patrick Andriesen

06/03/2023

Illinois may soon require all public school districts to front the costs of a full-day kindergarten program starting in 2027. There is no designated financial support from the state. Opponents said it’s not about a lack of desire or need, but the lack of funding.

CTU says union contract negotiations should be livestreamed to the public. It has a point.

By Mailee Smith

10/09/2019

In calling for livestreamed negotiations, CTU highlights need for transparency in Illinois public employee negotiations.

TAGS: contract, CPS: Chicago Public Schools, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, labor, Lori Lightfoot

Ford Heights ex-mayor charged with stealing $150K from village

By Austin Berg

08/23/2018

One of the state’s poorest communities is already facing enormous financial pressures.

TAGS: Charles Griffin, corruption, Ford Heights

East Moline taxpayers could find savings through school district consolidation

By Vincent Caruso

07/09/2018

While Quad Cities geography connects East Moline and the Iowa cities of Davenport and Bettendorf, Illinois’ abundance of school districts means their administrative environments are worlds apart. By consolidating duplicative administrative bodies, East Moline could generate taxpayer savings.

TAGS: East Moline, education, outmigration, pensions, Quad Cities, school district consolidation

Taxpayer victory: General Assembly passes bill restricting golden parachutes for government officials

By Vincent Caruso, Chris Lentino

05/29/2018

Senate Bill 3604 would limit government workers’ ability to collect extravagant severance packages, also known as “golden parachutes,” on their way out of office.

TAGS: Alex Clifford, College of DuPage, Doug Baker, Metra, NIU: Northern Illinois University, pensions, Robert Breuder, salaries, Tom Cullerton

School district

Cook County property tax delays hit Evanston, other schools

Studies not enough to cut administrative bloat in Illinois schools

How Chicago’s election timing suppresses voting

Illinois school boards should provide opportunities to all kids in their districts

Forced agenda: Chicago Teachers Union contract aims to dictate radical, costly worldview to Chicagoans

Full-day kindergarten mandate hits governor’s desk, but costs remain unknown

CTU says union contract negotiations should be livestreamed to the public. It has a point.

Ford Heights ex-mayor charged with stealing $150K from village

East Moline taxpayers could find savings through school district consolidation

Taxpayer victory: General Assembly passes bill restricting golden parachutes for government officials

Illinois Forward 2027: How to fix Illinois’ state finances

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