DISTRICT

Sep 15 2024EDUCATION

St. Cloud Schools' Calendar: A Celebration of Diversity

When it comes to setting its school calendar, St. Cloud School District 742 takes a unique approach. Unlike many other districts, they consider numerous religions and religious holidays when deciding on the best dates for school. According to Superintendent Laurie Putnam, this decision is made by th

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Sep 15 2024BUSINESS

The Block 59 Revolution: Tears Down Old, Builds New in Naperville

As crews wrap up demolition on the former Heritage Square shopping center, the anticipation for Block 59's grand opening is building. This $53 million, 91,000-square-foot entertainment complex promises a culinary revolution, bringing in high-profile restaurants like Yard House, Ruth's Chris Steak Ho

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Sep 15 2024EDUCATION

Building a Bridge of Tolerance: Attorney General Campbell's Action Plan for Southwick Schools

In the wake of a disturbing "mock slave trade" incident, Attorney General Andrea Campbell has issued a comprehensive action plan to combat racism and bullying in Southwick schools. The plan, developed in collaboration with school officials, the Greater Springfield NAACP, and other stakeholders, outl

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Sep 13 2024BUSINESS

Eyes on the Prize: San Jose's Plan to Revitalize Business Districts

As San Jose officials look to create the city's first business improvement district in over 15 years, they're banking on a new strategy to boost economic growth in East San Jose. The Tully Road-Eastridge Business Association (TREBA) has spent two years developing plans for this district, pooling res

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Sep 12 2024EDUCATION

Dublin's 'Empower Education' Campaign: A Last-Ditch Effort to Save Schools?

As the Dublin Unified School District prepares to slash its budget by a staggering $4.4 million, a new nonprofit, the Dublin Education Alliance, has launched a campaign to raise $500,000 to alleviate the cuts. The DEA plans to use the funds to support STEM education, extra reading and math educat

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Sep 11 2024BUSINESS

St. Cloud's Downtown Revitalization Dreams Foiled Again

The Business Improvement District (BID) plan for downtown St. Cloud has hit another roadblock. Despite a strong showing of support from business owners and a downtown task force's efforts to raise $750,000 in commitments, the plan has failed to gain the necessary 65% approval from impacted property

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Sep 11 2024POLITICS

Kamala Harris Poster Sparks Violent Confrontation: A Tale of Hate, Politics, and Identity

In a disturbing incident, a 76-year-old man, Juan Bernal, was arrested and charged with assault in the third degree for allegedly attacking the owner of a New York City clothing boutique, Tanya Young Williams, over a large poster of Vice President Kamala Harris displayed in her window. But what sho

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Sep 10 2024EDUCATION

Hinsdale D86:Adding to the Legal Billpile -What's Really Going On?

Hinsdale High School District 86 recently made headlines by hiring a second law firm, Engler, Callaway, Baasten & Sraga, to handle specific cases. This news comes just months after the board selected Robbins Schwartz as their main legal counsel. One key area this new firm will handle? Special educat

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Sep 06 2024EDUCATION

Can School Decisions Be Taken Out of the Hands of the Experts?

Concord residents are gearing up for a heated battle over school policy, with two ballot questions seeking to give voters a direct say in major decisions like school relocations and property transactions. But is this a good idea? Could giving the average voter a say in these complex issues lead to

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Sep 06 2024EDUCATION

Marblehead Schools:Paycheck Problems and Teacher Tensions

Marblehead teachers are starting the new school year without a contract and facing a frustrating payroll error. The Marblehead Education Association (MEA) claims recent paychecks are missing step increases, summer stipends, and other agreed-upon pay adjustments. Interim Superintendent John Robidou

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