School district

More schools double-dipping taxpayers for teacher pension costs

By LyLena Estabine

05/26/2026

Many school districts cover teachers’ required pension contribution of 9% of their salary — putting that burden on taxpayers.

Unfair policies shut kids out of extracurriculars

By Mailee Smith

05/05/2026

Illinois law is inclusive, but some districts aren’t. Find out where yours lands.

Five reasons school districts shouldn’t lock students out of extracurriculars

By Mailee Smith

05/05/2026

More than 160 districts in Illinois bar participation by those who aren’t full-time students in their schools.

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

Pathway to a Profession: How Apprenticeships Could Reshape Illinois’ Beauty Service Industry

Occupational licensing requirements present one of the steepest barriers to low-income Illinoisans starting careers in beauty services. Illinois requires anyone seeking to become a barber, cosmetologist, nail technician or hair braider to obtain a state license, essentially a permission slip to work. Unlike 45 other states, Illinois offers only one pathway to licensure for each...

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School district

More schools double-dipping taxpayers for teacher pension costs

Unfair policies shut kids out of extracurriculars

Five reasons school districts shouldn’t lock students out of extracurriculars

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.

Pathway to a Profession: How Apprenticeships Could Reshape Illinois’ Beauty Service Industry

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