Illinois State Board of Education

09/04/2026

Congratulations to Bluford Unit School District #318! They received nearly $60,000 in state funding for teacher recruitment, retention, and professional learning.

https://okt.to/B5zsxd

Bluford Unit School District 318 received a roughly $58,000 state grant to support teacher recruitment and retention amid ongoing shortages.

09/04/2026

Here's some good news for downstate districts! Partnering with our friends at the Illinois Department Illinois Department of Transportation, today we announced a formal notice of funding availability to establish programs that encourage and support public school students to use transit. A total of $35 million is available via a competitive grant process, with applications due Oct. 15.

The Downstate Reduced Fare Grant Program and the Downstate Cooperative Transportation Grant Program are the result of legislation passed by the General Assembly this year. ​
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Available to transit agencies outside the territory covered by the Northern Illinois Transit Authority, the programs are designed to provide additional and affordable transportation options for students enrolled in public schools and increase access to transportation for school, extracurricular and other activities.

The Downstate Reduced Fare Grant Program is open to public transit agencies to establish, continue or expand their own free or reduced fare programs for eligible students in public elementary, middle and high schools or enrolled at career centers and public technical education centers administered by ISBE. The program is intended to supplement existing transportation options for students by making transit more affordable, while reimbursing transit agencies for providing free or reduced fares.

To provide details about this funding opportunity and the application process, IDOT is hosting informational webinars on Sept. 8 and 22, both at 3 p.m. Get more information and register for the webinars by reading IDOT's press release at https://okt.to/Rpu8rb.

09/04/2026

ISBE released $15 million in Teacher Vacancy Grant funding to 100 Illinois school districts facing the greatest staffing challenges.

Districts have used the funding in a variety of ways tailored to local needs, including signing bonuses and retention stipends, tuition reimbursement and professional learning opportunities, mentorship programs for new teachers, special education teacher incentives, classroom technology and resources, and initiatives designed to strengthen school culture and educator support.

https://okt.to/2oHYRO

As the new school year is in full swing, Stateline school districts...

09/04/2026

ISBE has developed a model wireless communication device policy toolkit to assist school districts and charter schools with developing the required policy before the law takes effect in the 2027-28 school year. The toolkit includes model language, implementation guidance, and a customizable template covering device use, storage, enforcement, and required and optional exceptions for things like student medical needs, emergencies, English learners, and students with IEPs or 504 Plans. View the Model Cell Phone Policy on the ISBE website www.isbe.net/Documents/Model-Cell-Phone-Policy.pdf

09/04/2026

As districts continue implementing Illinois' climate change education requirements, educators are encouraged to regularly visit the ISBE Science webpage at https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Science-Standards.aspx for the latest professional learning opportunities, resources, and updates.

The monthly virtual professional learning offerings available through ISBE and its partners help educators build their understanding of climate science, explore solutions-oriented instructional approaches, and access classroom-ready resources that promote student engagement, critical thinking, and informed action. These opportunities are intended to support teachers across grade levels and content areas as they integrate climate change education into their instructional programs.

We encourage you to share these opportunities with teachers, instructional leaders, and curriculum teams throughout your district.

09/03/2026

“Every student deserves access to qualified, effective educators, regardless of where they live,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. “By investing in districts with the greatest staffing needs, this program helps direct resources where they can have the greatest impact, strengthening local educator workforces and ensuring more students have access to the excellent teachers they deserve.”

https://okt.to/h2MxYw

The Illinois State Board of Education announced that they have selected 100 school districts to split $15 million in hopes of addressing teacher shortages in the state.

09/03/2026

Congratulations to Peoria Public Schools District 150, Dunlap School District #323, and Galesburg CUSD #205!

https://okt.to/czkDdu

The Illinois State Board of Education distributed $15 million in teacher vacancy grants to 100 school districts, including Peoria, Galesburg, and Dunlap, to address significant educator shortages a…

09/03/2026

This free virtual library training, Sept. 16 from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., is for all levels of Illinois school library staff. Attendees will explore topics like weeding, classroom management, artificial intelligence, the statewide database package, budgets, intellectual freedom, and more. Register for the Illinois School Library Workers Symposium at https://okt.to/k1pujo. Professional development hours are available.

09/03/2026

The ISBE team is set up and ready to see you! We are at the Du Quoin State Fair now through Sept. 7. Come say hello in the Lt. Governor's tent to explore our interactive exhibit and chat with our staff.

09/02/2026

“We were thrilled to find out that we are going to be able to get grant money one more year because we didn’t think that that was happening,” Urbana School District #116 Assistant Superintendent Angi Franklin said. “The fact that it even came out was news to us, and it was a bonus that we’re getting some of that money.”

https://okt.to/nYxKbp

The high-need area districts selected for grants ranging from $56,678 to $431,955: Bismarck-Henning, Champaign, Cerro Gordo, Cissna Park, Danville, Decatur, Georgetown-Ridge Farm, Hoopeston Area, Iroquois County, Oakwood, PBL, Rantoul City,