Kevin Bessler

Kevin Bessler reports on statewide issues in Illinois for the Center Square. He has over 30 years of experience in radio news reporting throughout the Midwest.

Government
Several new Illinois laws affect the education system

(The Center Square) – A host of new laws go into effect in 2023 that will affect education in Illinois. In the wake of school shootings across the country, there… Read More

January 2, 2023
Public Education
Candidates for Illinois school boards begin filing nominating petitions

(The Center Square) – Those who aspire to help govern their local school district in Illinois may now file nominating petitions. Nearly 6,000 men and women serve on school… Read More

December 14, 2022
Public Education
Study shows a year-round school calendar has no academic benefit

(The Center Square) – Dozens of Illinois schools have gone to a year-round calendar, but a study suggests there are drawbacks. Year-round school is not a new idea. The idea… Read More

December 5, 2022
Public Education
Educators and bus drivers among 132,000 Illinois public employees with six-figure salaries

(The Center Square) – An audit of Illinois public employee salaries and pensions found a staggering number of employees were in the six-figure club. The nonprofit government watchdog organization … Read More

November 3, 2022
Public Education
Study: teacher benefits causing education spending to go up despite falling enrollments

(The Center Square) – A new study shows inflation-adjusted per-pupil K-12 school revenues in Illinois grew by 55% between 2002 and 2020 while enrollment numbers decreased. The rise in overall… Read More

August 23, 2022