Andrew Hensel

Illinois State Board of Education discusses increased spending with House committee

(The Center Square) – Members of the Illinois State Board of Education are discussing their 2024 budget proposal, which includes an increase in funding. ISBE…

Measure at Illinois statehouse proposes sex-ed curriculum changes

(The Center Square) – A proposed measure in Springfield aims to set up a task force to examine how certain subjects are taught in Illinois…

Multi-occupancy genderless bathroom bill advances at Illinois statehouse

(The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers are advancing a measure that would would allow certain bathrooms in the Land of Lincoln to be genderless. State Rep.…

Illinois schools underperforming despite increased funding

(The Center Square) – Public education advocates say Illinois’ evidence-based funding model has adequately funded schools. However, one lawmaker says students are still underperforming. Illinois’ evidence-based…

Illinois State Board of Education names new state superintendent of schools

(The Center Square) – The Illinois State Board of Education has named its 31st state superintendent of education, but not everyone is on board with…

Lightfoot criticized for soliciting CPS students to campaign for ‘extra credit;’ investigations launched

(The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is drawing criticism over leaked emails of her campaign asking public school students for help her re-election bid…

‘Gender affirming care’ on minors finds support, opposition among Illinois’ elected officials

(The Center Square) – Illinois’ elected officials are offering different views on the future of gender-affirming health care in Illinois. Gender-affirming care, as defined by…

Illinois’ Amendment 1 would be costly and give too much power to unions, including the Chicago Teachers Union, critics argue

(The Center Square) – Amendment 1 on the November ballot is being promoted by unions in Illinois. Supporters say the measure will protect workers’ rights.…

Chicago Public Schools facing lower enrollment but more teachers

(The Center Square) – A new report shows a decade-long problem of low test scores and enrollment decline for Chicago Public Schools. The report was done by…

Three bills impacting Illinois higher education now law

(The Center Square) – Three different bills looking to address issues within the state’s higher education system are now law. Gov J.B. Pritzker signed the…

Chicago Public Schools to pay back $87 million in overpayments

(The Center Square) – Chicago Public Schools were given $87 million from the Illinois State Board of Education in error and now they owe that…

Audit: Chicago Public Schools received $87 million in overpayments

(The Center Square) – An Illinois Auditor General’s report shows an error at the Illinois State Board of Education resulted in an overpayment of more…

Pritzker signs ‘Too Young to Test’ bill into law

(The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed a measure that prohibits the Illinois State Board of Education from requiring students in pre-kindergarten…

Schools must report alleged teacher sexual misconduct starting July 2023

(The Center Square) – In a little over a year, school superintendents must begin notifying school boards and parents if any sexual misconduct happens in…