Highlights about Education

The Springfield District 186 Board of Education approves an intergovernmental and collaboration agreement tied to a new elementary school on the north side of the University of Illinois Springfield campus and future grant opportunities, while the superintendent secures three years of funding for Camp Kindergarten and reminds families about registration, health requirements, and district job openings.

The Durham Public Schools Board of Education marks several departing members with reflections on justice, equity policies, student-centered leadership, and the role of local journalism, while wrestling with how to guide future decisions on school right-sizing and a new meet-and-confer labor policy without boxing in the next board.

The Orange County Board of Commissioners adopts the 2026 budget, setting new county tax bills, outlining school funding per student, and approving plans for opioid settlement spending and future use of occupancy tax revenue after a failed attempt to scale back the tax increase. The board also signs off on a 10-year, $863 million capital plan and unanimously locks in the final design, price, and added funding for the new crisis diversion facility.

The Springfield District 186 Board of Education celebrates state track and field champions from across the district, shares graduation outcomes and back-to-school plans, and closes with a farewell honoring the outgoing superintendent after 12 years of service.