Early estimates show the new tax scholarship program, while limited, could cost the state two to five times more a student than what it now spends on general aid for the state’s public schools students.
Education
Autistic Teen’s Death In CPS Pool Heightens Questions Of Special Ed Care
Fourteen-year-old Rosario Gomez didn’t know how to swim, wasn’t wearing a lifejacket and had significant problems communicating. His drowning in a high school pool last winter fuels doubts about Chicago Public Schools’ ability to care for its special needs students.
Understanding The Most Poorly Funded School System in America: Illinois
By design, Illinois places an outsized reliance on revenue from local property taxes to fund schools. That has led to dramatic increases in property taxes across the state while also creating a worst in the nation gap in funding between rich and poor districts.
Critics: CPS Special Ed Policy Is ‘Delay And Deny’
Parents, teachers and disability rights advocates say new oversight protocols keep kids from getting services they need, while BGA analysis raises questions about Chicago Public Schools’ claims that minority students are over-identified for special ed.
Pension Late Fees Hit Chicago Charters
More than $10 million owed to the city teachers’ retirement fund is paid late, triggering at least $1.8 million in fines.
Illinois Schools Pushed To Test Water For High Lead Levels
Environmental groups propose law requiring elementary schools to test drinking fountains, other sources. Legislator cites lessons from Flint, CPS.
Women Make Up A Small Minority Of Illinois’ School Leadership
Even though a majority of public school educators are women, few graduate to the top positions.
Teachers’ Pension Fund Has History Of Overpaying
Just as one dispute involving overpayments is settled, another one begins.
Teachers’ Pension Fund Makes Multi-Million Dollar Mistake
The Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund miscalculated retirement benefits and overpaid retirees by $2.78 million. Now pensioners are asked to pay the money back.
Nepotism Dispute Costs Suburban School District
South suburban school board member votes on six-figure payout for his wife, an administrator in the system which is now trying to recoup the money.