How Chicago Teachers Union cost 2,000 students their charter schools
How Chicago Teachers Union cost 2,000 students their charter schools
The Acero Schools charter network is closing seven of its 15 charter schools in the Chicago Public Schools district. Blame the Chicago Teachers Union’s history of opposition to charter schools for spurring the school closures.
By Hannah Schmid
Chicago Teachers Union members sue union bosses over missing financial reports
Chicago Teachers Union members sue union bosses over missing financial reports
The Chicago Teachers Union is required to provide an annual audit to members under its own internal rules. It hasn’t done so for over four years. Members are suing to see what the union bosses are doing with the money.
By Mailee Smith
Apprenticeships can be lifeline for 177,000 idle Illinois youth
Apprenticeships can be lifeline for 177,000 idle Illinois youth
Apprenticeships are a great alternative to a college degree, and there is high demand in Illinois. They can help the 177,000 Illinois youths who are out of work and out of school.
By Lauren Zuar
Chicago Public Schools spends more, gets poorer test scores
Chicago Public Schools spends more, gets poorer test scores
Chicago Public Schools’ instructional and operational spending both reached all-time highs. Did the extra money improve student learning? Nope.
By Chris Coffey
781 layoffs in September, with Amazon closing a Chicago facility
781 layoffs in September, with Amazon closing a Chicago facility
Chicago led Illinois for mass layoffs in September after Amazon announced it was closing its Goose Island fulfillment center.
By Patrick Andriesen
Chicago Public Schools adds 2,500 staffers for 80,900 fewer students
Chicago Public Schools adds 2,500 staffers for 80,900 fewer students
Chicago Public Schools enrollment dropped 80,900 from the 2011-2012 school year to 2023-2024. But staffing increased by over 2,500 and costs rose $3.5 billion.
By Chris Coffey
Illinois taxpayers pay for more school staff despite fewer students
Illinois taxpayers pay for more school staff despite fewer students
The number of administrators and teachers in Illinois public schools has increased while the number of students has declined. Illinois is adding administrators faster than teachers.
By Hannah Schmid
Chicago Public Schools is spending more per student despite plummeting test scores
Chicago Public Schools is spending more per student despite plummeting test scores
Chicago Public Schools instructional and operational spending reached all-time highs while academic outcomes stagnate.
By Chris Coffey
Chicago Teachers Union continues to underfund member representation
Chicago Teachers Union continues to underfund member representation
Not even 20% of CTU’s spending went to representing its members during its 2023-2024 fiscal year, according to its own federal reporting.
By Mailee Smith
Chicago Public Schools staff up 20%, enrollment down 10.5%
Chicago Public Schools staff up 20%, enrollment down 10.5%
Staffing in Chicago Public Schools increased 20% as the number of students dropped 10.5%. Employee growth has not included regular classroom teachers.
By Chris Coffey
Food assistance rises, with nearly 2M Illinoisans getting benefits in June
Food assistance rises, with nearly 2M Illinoisans getting benefits in June
Nearly 2 million Illinoisans – or nearly 1 in 6 – received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in June 2024. The number of Illinoisans needing federal help with groceries was the highest since September 2023.
By Patrick Andriesen