Homeschooling is on the rise and some school administrators are very concerned that they’re losing tax resources with declining enrollment numbers.
Representative Terra Costa Howard (D-Lombard) is targeting homeschooling families with HB 2827, claiming that she wants to protect children from parents “who don’t do it the right way...”
During a committee hearing last week, she argued that government officials “have a duty to ensure that children actually receive an education and that they don’t fall through the cracks of our system.”
Yet, according to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), less than 32 percent of high school seniors can read and less than 27 percent are proficient in Math.
ISBE reports an 88 percent graduation rate, which means that more than 228,000 students are being left behind.
Where is the concern about these students who are “falling through the cracks?”
Furthermore, students’ physical wellbeing is at risk. A 2018 Chicago Tribune investigation revealed over 500 cases of sexual abuse and rape by Chicago Public School staff against students over a decade, exposing grave deficiencies in hiring, training, reporting, and oversight.
This led to the creation of the Sexual Allegations Unit (SAU), which has reported 446 complaints of sexual misconduct in 2023, and 469 new complaints of adult-on-student abuse in 2024.
We know that these serious problems are not limited to Chicago schools. Public school systems across the state are failing in their responsibilities of educating and protecting children in their care.
Representative Howard doesn’t seem to understand that bureaucrats have proven themselves to be disqualified from doing the job that she thinks they can do.
Moreover: why diminish educational freedom in Illinois? Why usurp parental rights just to expand failing government authority over more students? Why try to fix something that doesn’t need fixing?
HB 2827 would punish families who do not file a declaration form with up to 30 days in prison and a $500 fine. This is alarming. Why would she separate families over a missing document?
This bill is unwarranted. Decades of homeschooling success demonstrates beyond a shadow of a doubt that HB 2827 is a solution in search of a problem.
It is foolish to criminalize some of the best people in the state: Loving parents who want to educate, nurture and equip their children to be future productive members of society.
David E. Smith, Executive Director
Illinois Family Institute
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Members of the St. Joseph-Ogden competitive cheerleading team pose for a group photo after competiting at the Mascoutah section in January.ST. JOSEPH - Precision, teamwork, and dedication defined the St. Joseph-Ogden High School cheerleading squad’s 2024-25 season as the team made an impact in sideline spirit and competition.
"This year’s team received numerous compliments at regular-season games and competitions from coaches and squads alike as they showcased their abilities," said four-year head coach Emily Spisok. "I’m very proud of the team’s progress this year and their coachability. I look forward to building on this year’s success."
Under Spisok and assistant Savannah Woods, the Spartans began training in May 2024 for their 10-month season. Balancing regular practices with performances at football games in the fall and basketball contests in winter, the team also added two home soccer games to its schedule while refining its routine for the competitive cheer season.
The St. Joseph-Ogden varsity cheer competition season ran from Dec. 7, 2024, to Feb. 1, 2025, culminating at the IHSA sectionals. The squad's hard work paid off early as SJO placed third in its first competition against a field of 21 teams, earning a spot at the Illinois Cheerleading Coaches Association (ICCA) State Championships.
In one of the state's toughest sectionals, the Spartans delivered a strong performance. SJO finished 11th in the small school division behind St. Thomas More and South Fork at the Mascoutah sectional, where the top three teams finished sixth or higher at the state finals in Bloomington a week later.
"The biggest challenge was illnesses and injuries. The team really pushed through and worked hard on all necessary changes to improve the routine each week," Spisok said, reflecting on the Spartans' season.
Led by seniors Addison Funk, Samantha Uden, Ava Worley, and Charley Wright, St. Joseph-Ogden's roster also featured returning sophomores Iris Davis, Leah Gaines, Faith Jackson, Peighton Reim, and Ava Smoot. Freshmen Aubrey Matheny, Abby Reynolds, Alysson Robinson, Samantha Ryan, Addison Walsh, and Sorena Welsh brought new energy to the program.
PONTIAC - People everywhere are conquering their cabin fever and are enjoying the great outdoors after a long, bitter winter. But before you head out for that hike, health care experts remind you to take precautions to avoid tick bites. Read more . . .
I’ve always known my Arab culture is worth celebrating.
I heard it in Syrian tenor Sabah Fakhri’s powerful voice reverberating in my mom’s car on the way to piano lessons and soccer practice during my youth. I smelled it in the za’atar, Aleppo pepper, allspice, and cumin permeating the air in the family kitchen. Read more . . .
CHAMPAIGN - In a show of solidarity against President Donald Trump's trade and immigration policies, which critics say are harming families and retirement savings, more than a thousand protesters gathered Saturday at West Park near downtown Champaign for the Hands-Off! Mobilization rally. Read more . . .
Photo Galleries
A couple of runners found themselves in the wrong race at this year's Illinois Marathon. Over 60 photos from the race that you should see.
