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Pritzker board eliminates poor attendance from Illinois school ratings

Posted in 220, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Crime, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Elections, Ethics, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois Policy Institute, Immigration, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts, Snowflake Effect, Springfield, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on May 21, 2026| 1 Comment »

High chronic absenteeism will no longer hurt a school’s state rating.

By Hannah Schmid | Illinois Policy Institute

Illinois plans to eliminate poor attendance from school ratings at a time when a fourth of the state’s students miss a significant chunk of the academic year.

In an overhaul the State Board of Education approved in April, “chronic absenteeism,” or missing 10% or more of the school year with or without a valid excuse, will no longer ding a school’s rating. All nine current board members were appointed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

The new system will use the term “consistent attendance,” the percentage of students present 90% or more of the school year.

That semantic switch may confuse parents about what’s really being measured, though it’s just a different way of saying the same thing. But the revised system also changes attendance from a “core indicator” in the rankings to merely an “elevating indicator.”

Why that matters: Strong “consistent attendance” will raise a school’s rating, but a weak performance won’t hurt it.

The state calls this a “strengths-based” approach, but it means the high rates of students skipping class across Illinois won’t affect schools’ ratings.

Report continues here.

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WATCH: Ex-rep sues Pritzker, Illinois over race-based congressional map

Posted in Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Immigration, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, SNAFU, Springfield, The Center Square, The Chicago Way, Transparency, Unions on May 13, 2026| Leave a Comment »

The entrance of the federal court in the Southern District of Illinois is shown in East St. Louis. Photo: Greg Bishop / The Center Squar

By Sean Reed | The Center Square

Illinois’ congressional district map is being challenged over what some argue are unconstitutional racial requirements for districts. A former Republican state representative sued Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the State Board of Elections late last week.

Jeanne Ives, a former representative of the state’s 42nd district, brought the case backed by J. Christian Adams, president and general counsel of the Public Interest Legal Foundation.

Filed in the U.S. District Court in the Central District of Illinois, the official complaint claims congressional maps drawn after the 2020 U.S. Census are unconstitutional because the Illinois Voting Rights Act of 2011 mandates the creation of “racial districts.”

Ives told The Center Square Daily that state Democrats have brazenly moved to draw maps based on racial lines.

“It’s very obvious to anybody looking at Illinois maps, and Illinois law, that these districts are in fact – they use race to design the districts and the SCOTUS decision makes it abundantly clear that you just can’t do that anymore,” Ives said.

Ives said a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling, which determined Louisiana’s district map as unconstitutional because of an over-reliance on race, is what has explicitly made it clear that Illinois’ congressional map as unconstitutional.

Report continues here.

Related: “U.S. Supreme Court decision puts brakes on Illinois redistricting amendment”

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District 220 Board of Education meets tonight

Posted in Agendas, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Data Center, District 220 referendum, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, His Master's Voice, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois State Board of Elections, Immigration, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Look For The Union Label, Open Meetings Act, Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts, Unions, Video Streaming, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on May 5, 2026| Leave a Comment »

The District 220 Board of Education meets this evening at 6:00 PM at the District Administration Center, 515 W. Main Street. Items on their agenda include:

  • FOIA Reports
  • Board Committee Reports: Finance Committee, Facilities Committee, Policy Committee, Legislative Committee, Equity Committee, Health Insurance Committee, Referendum Construction Steering Committee, Safety & Security Committee
  • Revised Personnel Report
  • Minutes
  • Consideration to Approve Paper Contract
  • Consideration to Approve Second Reading of Board Polic(ies)
  • Consideration to Approve the Reciprocal Reporting Agreement with the Sheriff of Lake County
  • Social Media Awareness and Digital Citizenship Update

A copy of the agenda can be viewed here. The meeting will be live streamed on the district YouTube channel.

Related: “Over $100,000 in Special Interest Funding gifted to 220 Board member’s campaign in failed bid for State Rep job,” “New Evidence of Chan Ding’s Policy Violations and Conflicts of Interest,” “The D220 Board of Ed gets another ‘F’ in accountability & transparency,” “The Real Issue in Barrington 220 Isn’t Parking or Levies — It’s Leadership Culture,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS – Part 2,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS,” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency (Updated),” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency”

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U.S. Supreme Court decision puts brakes on Illinois redistricting amendment

Posted in Commodius Maximus, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Fat Bastard, Illinois Policy Institute, Immigration, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Springfield on May 1, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Louisiana v. Callais prohibits using race to draw districts. That would make the proposed amendment unconstitutional.

By Joe Tabor | Illinois Policy Institute

A fresh U.S. Supreme Court decision poses a setback to Illinois’ proposed redistricting amendment and highlights the need for real redistricting reform in the state.

The Illinois House passed House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 28 and sent it the state Senate just the day before the high court decision. The amendment would do little to combat Illinois’ problematic history of gerrymandering to avoid competition and gain unfair partisan advantage.

It would, however, among other things, require the creation of racial influence districts and racial coalition districts, where practical, in any state or congressional redistricting plan.

But in its 6-3 decision April 29 in Louisiana v. Callais, the Supreme Court ruled that under the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause, complying with Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act is not a compelling reason to draw congressional districts based predominantly on race.

By contrast, the decision explicitly recognized that gaining partisan advantage and protecting incumbents from competition were “legitimate goals” for redistricting.

The ruling leaves Illinois partisan gerrymandering practices untouched, but it means the racial district requirement of HJRCA 28 would violate the 14th Amendment. The Illinois Senate has paused any movement on the amendment to assess the decision for what steps to take next, if any.

Article continues here.

Related: “Top Illinois Democrats call U.S. Supreme Court ruling on voting rights a ‘crushing blow to our democracy’”

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5 things to know about Illinois’ new school rating system

Posted in Agendas, Barrington Education Association, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Elections, Ethics, FUBAR, His Master's Voice, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois Policy Institute, Immigration, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, School Districts, SNAFU, Springfield, Taxes, Transparency, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on April 30, 2026| 2 Comments »

Labels on the familiar state report card are poised to change.

By Hannah Schmid | Illinois Policy Institute

Illinois plans to revamp how it rates public schools, meaning familiar labels on the state report card will change.

The Illinois State Board of Education in April approved a new school accountability system beginning in fall 2026.

The board says the overhaul will make school ratings clearer and fairer. The changes also remove some key measures and reshape how performance is judged.

Yet at a time when nearly half of Illinois students can’t read at grade level and even fewer are proficient in math, the board’s overhaul will change how schools are labeled but not how they perform.

Here are five things you should know about the changes while the plan awaits federal approval.

1._Schools will no longer be graded on a curve.

Illinois’ rating system ranks schools against each other. Only the top 10% can be in the top category and only the bottom 5% are ranked in the lowest.

The rankings are based on a school’s performance against other schools rather than strictly on how well its students meet specific criteria.

The new system will grade schools based on fixed standards. The goal is to eliminate moving goalposts, where a school’s rating could change based on comparison to other schools even if its performance doesn’t change. That could make ratings more consistent over time.

Article continues here.

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Top Illinois Democrats call U.S. Supreme Court ruling on voting rights a ‘crushing blow to our democracy’

Posted in Chicago Sun*Times, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Immigration, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Springfield on April 30, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Gov. JB Pritzker is speaking out about the U.S. Supreme Court striking down a voting map in Louisiana, which opens the door for other states to redistrict their maps. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon said on Wednesday that a proposed state constitutional amendment on redistricting will not advance this legislative session so that legal experts can review the ruling and evaluate the best response for Illinois.

By Tina Sfondeles | Chicago Sun*Times

Former President Barack Obama and key Illinois Democrats, including Gov. JB Pritzker and Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, are condemning Wednesday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision to dilute a Voting Rights Act provision, which is likely to lead to redistricting across the country and could help Republicans continue to control the House.

The Supreme Court struck down a majority-Black congressional district in Louisiana, diluting a Civil Rights-era law aimed at increasing minority representation in Congress and elsewhere. In the 6-3 ruling, the court’s majority found the Louisiana district represented by Democrat Cleo Fields relied too heavily on race. Justice Samuel Alito called the map “an unconstitutional gerrymander.”

The ruling is likely to impact elections in 2028, since many filing deadlines for this year’s elections have passed, including in Illinois. Louisiana may have to change its redistricting plan to comply with the ruling, however.

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, said on Wednesday a proposed state constitutional amendment on redistricting will not advance this legislative session so that legal experts can review the ruling and evaluate the best response for Illinois.

Obama said the ruling “effectively guts a key pillar of the Voting Rights Act, freeing state legislatures to gerrymander legislative districts to systematically dilute and weaken the voting power of racial minorities — so long as they do it under the guise of ‘partisanship’ rather than explicit ‘racial bias.’”

The former president said in a statement that the conservative majority on the Supreme Court is “abandoning its vital role in ensuring equal participation in our democracy and protecting the rights of minority groups against majority overreach.”

Article continues here.

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Pritzker’s 57 tax and fee hikes cost Illinoisans $77 billion

Posted in Barrington Education Association, Cost of Living, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Fat Bastard, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois Policy Institute, Immigration, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Taxes, Unions on April 29, 2026| Leave a Comment »

The governor has presided over $77 billion in increases while Illinois’ economic growth lags.

By Ravi Mishra | Illinois Policy Institute

Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants more tax and fee hikes even after presiding over at least 57 of them since 2019 and with Illinois’ budget still in dysfunction.

New tax and fee burdens under Pritzker have cost taxpayers more than $77 billion. Last year alone, Illinoisans paid $16.5 billion more in state taxes than they would have if taxes stayed consistent with 2018 levels.

The median Illinois household now pays nearly $1,400 more per year in state taxes than it would have under prior levels.

Examples of recent tax policy moves in Illinois:

  • The gas tax was doubled in 2019 from $0.19 to $0.38 per gallon and indexed to annual increases to inflation. It now stands at 48.3 cents per gallon.
  • The net-operating-loss deduction was capped in 2021, effectively double-taxing Illinois companies.
  • Late last year Pritzker signed a bill decoupling Illinois from federal business tax cuts.

Property taxes have risen 27% under Pritzker’s watch. While driven by local decisions, state policy, particularly around pension and school funding, has pressured local governments and contributed to those hikes.

Article continues here.

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Pritzker pushes housing plan described as ‘all stick,’ no carrot

Posted in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Fat Bastard, Immigration, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, The Center Square, Unions, Zoning Board on April 27, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Pritzker’s ideal community…

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square

Gov. J.B. Pritzker is pushing to prevent local communities from restricting housing development, but local leaders say state preemption of local control may not address high housing costs.

The governor discussed his Building Up Illinois Developments plan during an AARP Illinois tele-town hall on Monday and said the high cost of housing burdens one in three older households.

Pritzker said said the state’s home listings have dropped 64%.

“Our failure to build is in part due to restrictive statutes and regulations in towns, cities and counties,” the governor said.

Several of Pritzker’s proposals would restrict local authority.

The Illinois Senate Executive Committee discussed House Bills 4060, 4061, 4062, 4063 and 4064 during a subject matter hearing that lasted more than five hours on Friday.

The five bills are all part of the governor’s BUILD initiative.

More here.

Related: “Pritzker’s affordable housing plan gets Senate hearing as municipalities remain opposed,” “Village of Barrington President shares perspectives on Pritzker’s BUILD plans,” “(Ignoring public opinion) Pritzker says of BUILD Plan for homes would not cost taxpayers,” “Gov. JB Pritzker’s ambitious housing plan for Illinois: More four-flats, looser rules,” “Pritzker to propose statewide zoning laws to spur homebuilding, limit local control,” “McLaughlin’s press conference video recording regarding Pritzker’s proposed municipal zoning powers grab posted,” “‘It’s just a bad idea’: Suburban officials oppose Pritzker’s plan to reduce local control over residential It’s just zoning”

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Despite widespread local opposition, “North Shore-Barrington Association of Realtors,” rallies members to support Pritzker’s BUILD Plan

Posted in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Ethics, Fools and their money, Immigration, Land Disconnection, Land Use, OP/Ed, Organizations, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts, Springfield, Unions, Zoning Board on April 22, 2026| 3 Comments »

More than two months ago we posted, “Pritzker to propose statewide zoning laws to spur homebuilding, limit local control.” Shortly thereafter, local community leaders almost universally voiced their opposition to Pritzker’s plan to diminish local control and property values via his “BUILD,” plans.

Needless to say, we were dumbfounded when an email was forwarded to us with the subject line, “Call For Action: Support the BUILD Plan to Increase Inventory.” That message was sent by, “North Shore-Barrington Association of Realtors (NSBAR).” Since most recognize the reputation (many) realtors have, suffice it to say consider the source as we continue…

The NSBAR message begins with, “Please contact your legislator and tell them to support the BUILD Plan to increase housing inventory and ease housing costs for Illinois families.” State Rep. Martin McLaughlin has not been shy in voicing his opposition to Pritzker’s land grab plans stating, “It’s just a bad idea.”

The NSBAR pitch states the BUILD plan will, “Eliminate local housing bans.” One does not need to read further, but those wishing to can do so here.

All we can advise is when buying or selling a home, choose your representative and attorney wisely.

Related: “Village of Barrington President shares perspectives on Pritzker’s BUILD plans,” “(Ignoring public opinion) Pritzker says of BUILD Plan for homes would not cost taxpayers,” “Gov. JB Pritzker’s ambitious housing plan for Illinois: More four-flats, looser rules,” “Pritzker to propose statewide zoning laws to spur homebuilding, limit local control,” “McLaughlin’s press conference video recording regarding Pritzker’s proposed municipal zoning powers grab posted,” “‘It’s just a bad idea’: Suburban officials oppose Pritzker’s plan to reduce local control over residential It’s just zoning”

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Wisconsin sheriff sues Skokie woman and Cook County politician who claimed she was detained by ICE

Posted in Chicago Tribune, Cook, County, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Immigration, Politics, Property Taxes on April 11, 2026| 2 Comments »

Summer Sundas “Sunny” Naqvi, right, said she was detained by federal immigration officials upon her arrival at O’Hare International Airport. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials and local officials in Wisconsin, where Naqvi said she was held in custody, are disputing her account. Sister Sarah Afzal is at left. (Sarah Afzal)

By Caroline Kubzansky, Talia Soglin and Alice Yin | Chicago Tribune

A Wisconsin sheriff announced a defamation lawsuit Friday against a Cook County politician and a Skokie woman who recently claimed that federal immigration officials detained her at three locations for nearly 48 hours, including a jail in Dodge County, Wisconsin.

Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt is suing in his individual capacity, alleging damage to his reputation as a result of Summer Sundas “Sunny” Naqvi’s harrowing story that he sought to debunk during a one-hour news conference in the afternoon. He alleged that Naqvi, who was born in Evanston, and Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, a family friend of hers, spread “unverified, uncorroborated and misleading” claims, but said he could not yet identify any Wisconsin laws they broke.

“At no point was Sundas Naqvi in the custody of the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office,” Schmidt said. “This is a serious accusation, and when it is not true, it does real damage. It damages the trust between law enforcement and the community. It unfairly puts a target on the backs of officers.”

Neither Naqvi or her sister Sarah Afzal immediately responded to requests for comment on Friday. It was not clear if Naqvi had an attorney. An attorney from a firm representing her on a separate case declined to comment and said he is not representing her in the defamation case.

A woman talks to Sarah Afzal, of Rogers Park, the sister of Sundas Naqvi, near the lectern while Kevin Morrison, a Cook County commissioner, speaks during a press conference near the ICE facility in Broadview Sunday, March 8, 2026. (Josh Boland/Chicago Tribune)

In a text message to the Tribune, Morrison said, “It is my understanding that a lawsuit has been filed, I haven not seen it. And if a suit has in fact been filed, I cannot comment on pending litigation.”

At the news conference in Juneau, Wisconsin, the sheriff laid out a timeline and played a slideshow of surveillance footage, hotel records and text message screenshots that he said proves Naqvi was never held at the Dodge County jail.

Naqvi’s story of disembarking from a flight at O’Hare International Airport on March 5 and allegedly being held by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security at the airport for 30 hours — despite being a U.S. citizen — made international headlines. Her alleged ordeal, according to Morrison and Afzal, included being moved to a notorious immigration processing center in west suburban Broadview and then the Dodge County detention center, before she was released March 7 and hitchhiked to a nearby Holiday Inn.

But Schmidt said Friday his office had no record of Naqvi getting booked into the facility. His lawsuit alleges Naqvi and Morrison’s claims about her alleged detention in the Dodge County jail “were and are false.” His lawsuit seeks damages of more than $1 million against each defendant.

Schmidt produced records from a Rosemont Hampton Inn & Suites that he said show Naqvi checking in about 1:17 p.m. on March 5, plus text messages between an unnamed witness and Naqvi the next day discussing ordering food and using the witness’ credit card to pay a “spa lady.”

“There is no spa at Broadview in Chicago, Illinois,” Schmidt said, referring to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center. “There is no spa lady in our jail here in Dodge County.”

Story continues here.

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