Illinois’ comeback story starts here.

Back to school in Chicago Public Schools

Back to school in Chicago Public Schools

Chicago Public Schools students return to class Aug. 21. Take a look at the state of district proficiency, building utilization, enrollment, student-teacher ratios, absenteeism and finances.

By Hannah Schmid

Rena Garrett

Rena Garrett

“If it weren’t for the scholarship, he probably would have been home taught. Public school was just not an option for him.”

The Policy Shop: Pension debt and property tax pain

The Policy Shop: Pension debt and property tax pain

This edition of The Policy Shop is brought to you by Josh Bandoch, head of policy. Politicians love to make promises. Here’s one: Your property taxes won’t go up! Mayor Brandon Johnson has made that vow. Many of his predecessors had, too. That won’t help anyone who owes Cook County property taxes for the remainder...

Pritzker signs charter neutrality bill, Chicago Teachers Union fights to weaken charter schools

Pritzker signs charter neutrality bill, Chicago Teachers Union fights to weaken charter schools

Contracts at 35 Chicago charter schools represented by the Chicago Teachers Union are up for negotiations this year. CTU, with the help of Gov. J.B. Pritzker and House Bill 1120, is positioning itself to grow its power by diminishing charter schools as an alternative for parents and students.

By Hannah Schmid