Education

Friday, November 20, 2009

Parkland board OKs bonds for construction

CHAMPAIGN – Parkland College trustees have approved issuing nearly $34 million in bonds to pay for construction projects on the campus.

But the bonds won't raise taxes for property owners in Parkland's district, said Parkland's Chief Financial Officer Chris Randles.

University of California OKs big fee hikes

LOS ANGELES (AP) – As protests resounded outside, the University of California Board of Regents approved a fee 32 percent fee increase for students attending the state's premier public schools.

The vote in a windowless University of California, Los Angeles, meeting room took place Thursday as hundreds of students and union members gathered nearby, waving signs, pounding drums and chanting "We're fired up, can't take it no more" and "Shame on you."

Grant to give Danville school a face-lift

DANVILLE – Librarian Melissa Willer is new to Garfield Elementary School this year, but the challenge she's facing is not – finding enough shelf space for the school's collection of 6,000 or so books.

"I'm out of space in fiction," said Willer, who on Wednesday was moving older books off the shelves to make way for newer ones. "I have another 10 shelves of books to get out, but I only have eight shelves."

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Danville teachers' contract talks may soon begin anew

DANVILLE – Though Danville teachers and other school staff finally have a new 1-year contract, board members said it won't be long before the two sides will have to start working on a new agreement, and they would like to see representatives come together soon to start talking about issues.

Urbana school district will put together strategic plan

URBANA – It's been more than 20 years since the Urbana school district has done a comprehensive strategic plan.

'Soft lockdown' an option for Champaign schools

CHAMPAIGN – Champaign schools are preparing for any reaction to a report on the Oct. 9 shooting death of 15-year-old Kiwane Carrington.

Assistant Superintendent Michael McFarland asked school principals to review the district's "soft lockdown" procedures.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Champaign schools ponder lockdown for report's release

CHAMPAIGN — Champaign schools are preparing for any reaction to a report on the Oct. 9 shooting death of 15-year-old Kiwane Carrington.

Assistant Superintendent Michael McFarland asked school principals to review the district’s “soft lockdown” procedures.

Area clinics sticking with old mammogram advice

CHAMPAIGN – A new study may say otherwise, but having a mammogram at age 40 mattered to Cheryl Page.

"If I hadn't had that mammogram, who knows what might have happened," said Page, the lead mammographer at Christie Clinic, who says she remains 100 percent behind the American Cancer Society's recommendation for women in their 40s to undergo annual mammograms.

Tentative deal between UI, GEO ends two-day strike

URBANA – Graduate students are expected return to teaching duties today after the University of Illinois and the Graduate Employees' Organization reached a tentative contract agreement on Tuesday.

 

The three-year agreement, which is retroactive to August 2009, addresses the last major sticking point – tuition waivers.

UI professor's program informs kids on healthy food

MAHOMET – The food industry has long been savvy about combining narrative, visually pleasing images and positive emotions to attract children to certain foods – say Froot Loops, Pop-Tarts and McDonald's Happy Meals.

Danville teachers union OKs one-year agreement

DANVILLE – All members of the Danville Education Association would receive a raise under a proposed one-year contract, which the association ratified on Monday.

"We overwhelmingly passed it," association President Robin Twidwell said, following the meeting with members. "I'm very glad to be at this point."

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Champaign library gets award from architectural group

CHAMPAIGN – The Champaign Public Library received a 2009 design excellence award from the Chicago chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

A jury of architects gave the library an honor award, in the interior architecture category.

10 appointed to Champaign schools equity committee

CHAMPAIGN – The Champaign school board named 10 community members Monday night to a new equity committee for the district.

The board chose the committee members from 32 applicants.

The Education Equity Excellence committee was created as part of the district's settlement of its consent decree. It is to be a diverse group that will help to foster a climate of equal opportunity, and is supposed to review data in areas such as academic achievement, special education, attendance, discipline and graduation rates.

Danville teachers' union ratifies proposed contract

DANVILLE – Danville teachers and other staff are closer to working under a new 1-year contract.

Danville Education Association members "overwhelmingly" ratified a proposed contract on Monday afternoon, union President Robin Twidwell said. The proposal now goes before school board members on Wednesday night.

Master plan work to expand diesel program at Parkland

CHAMPAIGN – One of the first projects of Parkland's campus master plan will address one of its most critical needs – more space for its diesel technology program.

The demand is high for the program. There is a waiting list, and Parkland could easily double the number of students in it, if it weren't limited by physical space. An addition for the diesel technology program is under way, with ground broken on the new building earlier this month.

Fall used book sale set Saturday

DANVILLE – The Friends of the Danville Public Library will hold its fall used book sale from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday in the first floor meeting room of the library, 319 N. Vermilion St.

The sale will include books for all ages, magazines, collectible books and audiovisual materials.

Some Danville students get extra hand with reading

DANVILLE – Some Danville elementary schools are using a new resource to improve student achievement, particularly in reading.

It's a special group of teachers who have stepped into a new role. Their job is to evaluate student learning using a variety of measures.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Tuition waivers the main sticking point in UI, GEO talks

Representatives from the union representing graduate and teaching assistants at the University of Illinois dispute a claim by the university that their demands concerning tuition-waiver security are an "11th hour" proposal.

"Our original proposal on April 21 included a request for tuition-waiver security," said Graduate Employees Organization spokesman Peter Campbell. "Most of the press releases the GEO has released include requests for tuition-waiver security. This is not an 11th-hour proposal."

UI spokeswoman to students: Go to class, if possible

University of Illinois spokeswoman Robin Kaler said several UI instructors have moved their Monday classes to new locations as a result of the GEO strike.

"Students should still go to all their classes on Monday unless their instructor has moved their class to an alternate location because they don't want to cross the picket lines," Kaler said. "If you go to a class and find no teacher there, let the department head know and they will help you out."

Teacher, staff contracts in Danville nearing approval

DANVILLE – Danville teachers and other school district staff could be working under a new contract next week.

Danville Education Association representatives plan to take proposed contracts – one for teachers and teaching assistants, and another for secretaries and learning resource clerks – to their membership at a meeting today.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

A decade later, jury's still out on UI Research Park

As the University of Illinois prepares to expand its 10-year-old research park onto university land east of First Street, The News-Gazette has spent several months examining how the park has fared in its first decade.

N-G reporters Julie Wurth and Christine des Garennes sought to answer basic questions – just who works in the research park? – as well as broader ones. Has the park fulfilled its promise? What could its future entail? The reporters worked with Marissa Monson and Stephanie Lulay in a UI Department of Journalism partnership. 

CHAMPAIGN – A decade ago, visions of a Silicon Prairie that would rival the best research parks in the country took hold in Champaign-Urbana.

A giant parcel of land down the block from university cattle and sheep barns was chosen as the site for the experiment, to be known as the University of Illinois Research Park.

Text of GEO's news release on strike

Here is the text of the release issued by the Graduate Employees' Organization calling a strike at the University of Illinois.

Text of UI's news release on strike

Here is the text of the University of Illinois' news release on the calling of a strike against the UI by the Graduate Employees' Organization.

Research Park growing, but UI tenants help fill the space

CHAMPAIGN – At the University of Illinois Research Park, State Farm Insurance runs a consumer research center, Caterpillar operates a simulation center and Archer Daniels Midland has a mathematical modeling center.

Over the years, park tenants have come to include large companies with satellite research operations or local startup companies like R Systems, which built a supercomputer in the park.

Project's employment numbers not as big as projected

CHAMPAIGN – Was it all "pie in the sky?"

When the University of Illinois Research Park was proposed a decade ago, supporters talked of the park's potential to have 5,000 employees within a decade, or even five years.

How UI park compares with Midwest neighbors

When it comes to university presence in research parks, the numbers are all over the map.

Purdue University has no university offices in its park, with minor exceptions. At Iowa State, up to 30 percent of the park's square footage can be university space.

UI opera students to perform in original musical '1787'

URBANA – Theater artist Robert Picklesimer has adapted for the stage fairy tales, Greek tragedies and even the William Faulkner novel "As I Lay Dying."

Now he's tackling a much bigger project, an original musical he titled "1787: We the People," about the creation of the American Constitution.

UI translation program already extending its reach

URBANA – Established a year ago at the University of Illinois, the Center for Translation is already working to build a name for itself in the community.

That name already is known a bit internationally, as well.

As the only program of comprehensive translation studies available in the Midwest, the center is well-placed to excel in its commitment to not only world-class education, but also to the art and craft of translation.

3 companies benefit as workers learn from Parkland program

CHAMPAIGN – Area companies say it's hard to find workers with all the skills needed to keep manufacturing equipment humming.

But a new program at Parkland College should make it easier for them.

Hunting Web site features students' pro-quality videos

Nic DiFilippo's fourth-hour class at Mahomet-Seymour High School buzzes with activity as some students navigate video-editing software on professional grade computers while others adjust lighting in front of a green screen propped against his classroom's chalkboard.

But there's more to this class than just kids fooling around with technology. DiFilippo thinks his video-editing class is the only in the nation to be producing a regular show for a Web site.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

GEO, UI resume negotiations Saturday

URBANA – The University of Illinois and its graduate student union will again negotiate at 3 p.m. Saturday, with a strike possible if the sides can't agree.

Among several things the UI and the union can't agree on is how much the assistants are paid in the first place.

H1N1 vaccine participation at schools less than 50%

CHAMPAIGN – Participation in H1N1 vaccinations at Champaign County public grade schools averaged less than 50 percent, according to the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District.

The district has wrapped up vaccinations at elementary schools, with the exception of St. Matthew Catholic School in Champaign, and will offer vaccinations at middle schools and high schools in the week ahead.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Coolest clique in school urges seat belt use

Kayla Thrasher was about to pull away from Urbana High School in her truck on a recent afternoon.

But before she did, she fastened her seat belt. She always wears it, she said. It's something her parents have always encouraged her to do.

Board sees lower tax bills next year

CATLIN – School officials approved a $2.23 million tax levy for the upcoming year on Thursday, which is expected to generate an additional $63,600 for the district.

Superintendent Gary Lewis said he expects the value of property within the district to increase by about $2 million to a total of about $43.6 million, allowing the schools to collect more money while reducing the tax rate.

Chinese educators learn from Parkland visit

CHAMPAIGN – China's new community college system could learn a lot from Parkland College, and apparently it has.

That's the consensus of five top educators from China who have spent the last two weeks at Parkland in an exchange designed to speed the evolution of their system, which is growing as fast as anything else in the rapidly changing land.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Danville program considers adding GED course

DANVILLE – Six years ago, Melissa Gnaden and some other students she knew dropped out of Danville High School.

Books for prisoners wins 2nd place

URBANA – The local Books 2 Prisoners program won second place in its category at the 2009 Governor's Hometown Awards in Springfield.

The awards were announced in late October.

Westville school officials unveil $2.3 million tax levy

WESTVILLE – School officials on Wednesday unveiled a $2.3 million tax levy for the upcoming year, and plan to formally approve it next month.

Superintendent Jim Owens said he estimated that the proposed levy would generate about $80,000 more than the current levy. He also said that he expects the value of property within the district to hold steady at about $50 million, allowing the schools to collect more money with just a small increase in the tax rate.

Music boosters launch candy sale

DANVILLE – The Danville High School Choral Music Boosters candy fund-raiser is under way.

Orders for See's Candies will be taken through Nov. 16 and delivered beginning Dec. 4.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Judge rules in favor of Villa Grove boy's service dog

TUSCOLA – A Douglas County judge ruled on Tuesday that the Villa Grove school district must continue to allow a 6-year-old boy to bring his service dog with him to attend fall classes.

Nichelle and Bradley Drew of Villa Grove filed suit in circuit court to require the school to allow the dog, a yellow Labrador retriever named Chewey, to accompany their son, Kaleb, to school.

Urbana Middle principal to retire at end of school year

URBANA – After spending 36 years as either a teacher or school administrator, Urbana Middle School Principal Nancy Clinton is ready to spend her days at her own speed, rather than the fast, intense pace of a middle school principal.

Champaign high school redistricting set for fall 2010

CHAMPAIGN – The Champaign high school redistricting plan will go into effect next fall.

The school board approved the redistricting plan at its meeting Monday night.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

New Washington School design OK'd

CHAMPAIGN – The Champaign school board Monday night approved the design for a new Washington Elementary School and heard more about plans for an expansion of Garden Hills Elementary School.

UI teaching, research assistants prepared to strike

URBANA – The University of Illinois' graduate teaching and research assistants could be going on strike for the first time.

On Monday, the Graduate Employees' Organization announced the results of its strike authorization vote. Spokesman Peter Campbell said 92 percent of participating GEO members chose to authorize a strike against the UI Board of Trustees in votes taken over the course of three days last week.

Students plan community baby shower

DANVILLE – Three Lakeview College of Nursing students this weekend will host a unique baby shower, where the guests of honor will receive more than just baby gifts.

Students back in class after 'minor explosion'

ST. JOSEPH – Students are back in classes at St. Joseph-Ogden High School after a "very minor" explosion on Monday morning.

A contractor working in a mechanical room at the school was injured following what St. Joseph-Stanton Fire Chief Russell Chism called "a very minor explosion."

Lecture to focus on e-waste issues

CHAMPAIGN – The founder of PC Rebuilders & Recyclers will be on the University of Illinois campus Wednesday to discuss "The Truth, Tragedy and Transformation of E-Waste."

Willie Cade, who founded PCRR in 2000 to provide refurbished personal computers to schools, non-profits and at-risk children, will speak at 4 p.m. Wednesday in the Illinois Ballroom of the I Hotel and Conference Center, 1900 S. First St., C.

Monday, November 9, 2009

UI, GEO headed for showdown

URBANA — The University of Illinois’ graduate teaching and research assistants could be going on strike for the first time.

Text of email from UI provost's office regarding GEO

The GEO membership has voted to authorize its strike committee to call a strike at any time. The GEO made a formal press release today. Unofficial reports indicate that the strike would begin on Monday, November 16, 2009. Although we continue to believe that a strike is not in the best interests of either the GEO or the University, we recognize the GEO's legal right to take a strike action.

Text of the GEO's news release on UI negotiations

Here is the text of the Graduate Employees' Organization news release on the results of its strike authorization vote.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Compute this: Work on new UI facility ahead of schedule

CHAMPAIGN – One of these days, fifth-graders will be trooping through the big building at the corner of Oak Street and St. Mary's Road.

Maybe they'll tap the bulletproof glass at the reception window as they wait their turn to go through the "man trap," the rotating door that will get you if you don't really have authorization to be there. Or maybe they'll get to blink at the iris reader instead.

New UI trustees chairman didn't exactly have write stuff

One thing is pretty clear. There's no way Christopher Kennedy could have been appointed to the University of Illinois board of trustees based solely on the application he submitted to Gov. Pat Quinn.

Politics – and the cachet of the Kennedy name and the fundraising connections it presents – had to have been a much bigger factor because Kennedy's application is so painfully weak.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Free poetry, film on tap this weekend

URBANA – Two free events are taking place this weekend at the Urbana Free Library.

At 4 p.m. today the Teen Film Crew will present the "Twin City Horror Movie Premiere" in the Lewis Auditorium of the library at 210 W. Green St., U.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Novelist Tim O'Brien to present James Jones lecture at Eastern

CHARLESTON – National Book Award winner Tim O'Brien will present the third annual James Jones Lecture at 7 p.m. Friday at the Doudna Fine Arts Center at Eastern Illinois University.

The lecture is part of the James Jones Symposium on Friday and Saturday at EIU.

'Pumpkin Fun' event set

HOOPESTON – The Hoopeston Public Library and the University of Illinois Extension, Vermilion County office, will present "Pumpkin Fall Fun" from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the library, 110 N. Fourth St.

The event is for children ages 5 through 13 and their families. Activities will include pumpkin and gourd decorating and making pine cone birdhouses and easy pumpkin treats.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Unit 4 holding forum on high school redistricting

CHAMPAIGN – Parents and students in the Champaign school district will be able to comment on a new option for high school redistricting at a forum this evening.

The school district will hold a community forum at 6 p.m. at the Mellon Administrative Center, 703 S. New St., C., to talk about the proposal.

Consent decree over for Champaign schools

CHAMPAIGN – The Champaign school district's consent decree is officially over, and now it will be up to the district and the community to ensure Champaign's black students receive an equitable education, without any oversight by the court.

Speaker offers advice to youths dealing with loss

CHAMPAIGN – At one point in his life, Javae Wright Sr. had nothing but $500 and a dream – a dream to own his own shoe company.

Not only did Wright make his dream come true, establishing Leadaz International Sportswear in Champaign-Urbana, he also devotes time to working with young people, to inspire them to realize their own dreams.

Groundbreaking set for Parkland's diesel center

CHAMPAIGN – Parkland College is about to break ground on a diesel center that's part of a program where 100 percent of students get a job.

The groundbreaking ceremony for Parkland College's new Diesel Technology Addition will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the campus's Tony Noel Agriculture Technology Applications Center.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Final approval granted in consent decree settlement

CHAMPAIGN — The Champaign school district’s consent decree case is officially over.

Federal District Court Judge Joe Billy McDade entered an order Wednesday afternoon approving the proposed settlement agreement reached by the school district and the plaintiffs this summer.

Children's agency celebrates 115th anniversary

DANVILLE – Over its 115 years of caring for children in need in the Danville community, a Danville agency has gone from a home where children stayed full time to a home for programs serving babies through teens.

The Center for Children's Services will honor its long history with a showcase of local talent at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Danville High School auditorium. The event is free, but donations will be accepted.

Champaign sets high school redistricting meeting

CHAMPAIGN — Parents and students in the Champaign school district will be able to comment on a new option for high school redistricting at a forum Thursday evening.

State shortfall may spell furloughs at UI

URBANA – The University of Illinois has so far seen only $400,000 of $317 million it is owed by the state, leading to a virtual hiring freeze and the possibility of furloughs.

Local veterans to speak about Iraq, Afghanistan

CHAMPAIGN – "Memories of War – Iraq & Afghanistan" is the topic of a panel discussion involving local veterans.

Panelists include Sgt. Bryan Abbott, Gunnery Sgt. Shawn Johnston, Staff Sgt. Katie Maglia, 2nd Lt. Shannon Potts and Staff Sgt. John Robinson.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

UI flash index's big increase is its first in two years

URBANA – The University of Illinois flash index rose substantially for the first time in two years, but a UI economist said it's too early to tell whether the recession is ending.

The index rose from 90 in September to 90.7 in October, said economist J. Fred Giertz, who compiles the index for the UI's Institute of Government and Public Affairs.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Pumpkins flung far in fundraiser for schools foundation

CHAMPAIGN – Wide-eyed 8-year-old Elijah Wasson of Champaign was awestruck as he saw a pumpkin soar overhead some 900 feet before splattering in a grassy field.

"Whoa!" he said as he gazed at the sky. "That was awesome!"

South View class teaches principles of engineering

DANVILLE – South View Middle School seventh-graders Jelicia Cotton and Ashylee Harrier weren't sure what to expect in their new pre-engineering class.

After a few days, they discovered it involved doing things they like to do: drawing, building, using the computer and working with classmates.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Few apply to join Champaign schools' equity committee

CHAMPAIGN – Only three people have applied to be on a new equity committee for the Champaign school district.

The school district, which is seeking community members to serve on its new Education Equity Excellence Committee, planned to choose between five and 10 residents for the group.

CUPunkin'Chuckin' a different type of fall fling

Fling a few pumpkins at more than 350 miles per hour, spit pumpkin seeds as far as you can and bring your soft jack-o'-lanterns to toss at a toilet or bathtub.

Add these events to soft ground conditions after lots of rain this month, and you've got one silly spectacle designed to raise money for the community's public schools.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Anti-gay bullying to be addressed

CHAMPAIGN – A Safe Schools forum next week will look at bullying of gay students in schools and how teachers and administrators can respond.

State Superintendent Christopher Koch will be part of the forum.

Clinics plan to charge for H1N1 vaccine

CHAMPAIGN – Planning to get an H1N1 vaccination? Better check your insurance coverage.

'Heart of the team' dies in morning crash

HOOPESTON – Hoopeston Area High School students and staff said a Rankin teen, who was killed in a pickup truck-semi tractor trailer collision early Thursday morning, was the heart of the boys' basketball team and the school.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

UI receives H1N1 vaccine, but not the kind it needs

URBANA – H1N1 vaccine has arrived on the University of Illinois campus, but it came with two complications: It's the wrong kind for people who need it the most – those with chronic health conditions – and there's not enough of it to hold a walk-in vaccination clinic.

New home helps Danville's alternative education program

DANVILLE – Last year, Danville High School student Brittany Crosby got behind in English and science and ended up failing the classes. She worried that she might not graduate on time until she enrolled in the High School Options alternative-education program at Laura Lee Fellowship House.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

H1N1 vaccine plans change; T'boro vaccinations Thursday

CHAMPAIGN – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District will begin H1N1 vaccinations Thursday at Thomasboro Grade School, district Administrator Julie Pryde said.

The public health district will then set up vaccination clinics in the two year-round Champaign schools that are in session Friday, Kenwood and Barkstall elementary schools. Plans to offer vaccinations at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Urbana on Friday were canceled because there wasn't enough time for the school to get ready, Pryde said.

Official suggests budget cuts for Champaign schools

CHAMPAIGN – The Champaign school district needs to cut $2 million from its budget for each of the next two years, says its chief financial officer, Gene Logas.

Logas talked to school board members at a Monday night study session about his predictions for the district's finances for the next two years and his suggestions for making cuts to balance the budgets.

Award-winner stopped at nothing to earn college degree

It takes a lot to impress Marlo Britton.

A case manager for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's Bureau of Workforce Development, Britton said she has never seen anyone as determined as Cecil Rhodes. And that's saying something, because Britton's mother raised 13 children.

Volunteers sought to help people complete tax forms

DANVILLE – AARP is seeking volunteers in the Danville area to help middle- and low-income taxpayers complete their federal and state income tax forms for 2009.

Volunteers will assist with preparing and electronic filing of tax returns. Training is free, and volunteers are asked to serve a minimum of three hours per week from Feb. 1 through April 15.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

UI faculty members applaud outgoing leaders

URBANA – At the prompting of Stanley Ikenberry, University of Illinois faculty stood and applauded the university's outgoing leaders Monday afternoon after they delivered their last formal addresses to the campus senate together.

Glimpse of new Washington School presented

CHAMPAIGN – Teachers, staff and administrators need to look "very, very critically" at the draft plans for a new Washington Elementary School to ensure the design will meet the school's needs, said Champaign school board member Kristine Chalifoux.

The school board and the public got a look at the draft design plan for the school Monday night.

Middle school students stand up for recycling

OAKWOOD – About 20 Oakwood Junior High students were going door to door Monday afternoon, asking residents if they want recycling and would pay a couple dollars for it.

Danville school district finalizes proposals for funds

DANVILLE – After months of planning, Danville school officials have finalized grant proposals for the $3.6 million in federal stimulus funding that the district is eligible to receive.

On Wednesday, they will present to school board members a proposal for $1.8 million in Title I funds, and one for $1.72 million in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Part B and $63,000 in IDEA special-education early childhood funds.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Unit 4 board to look at Washington, Garden Hills plans

CHAMPAIGN – The Champaign school board will review design plans for rebuilding Washington Elementary School and expanding Garden Hills Elementary School at a study session tonight, with the goal of approving designs for the two schools at its Nov. 9 meeting.

The board meets at 7 p.m. at the Mellon Administrative Center, 703 S. New St., C.

Uni High student trying to take on dropout prevention

URBANA – Linda Ly hopes to make a difference this school year for students who are thinking about dropping out of school.

Ly, a 17-year-old senior at University Laboratory High School, doesn't have a lot of firsthand knowledge of the subject.

DACC board considering bond issue as insurance

DANVILLE – Earlier this year, Danville Area Community College officials had to borrow money from the college's working-cash fund to keep operations going – because of not one but two late state funding payments, totaling about $2 million.

Now faced with even more uncertainty as to when this year's state payments will arrive, DACC trustees on Tuesday could take steps to ensure that the college doesn't run out of money this spring.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Herman: 'It's good to have the ambiguity resolved'

Chancellor Richard Herman, who announced his resignation last week, will spend his last day in office Monday. He sat down with The News-Gazette's Julie Wurth on Friday to talk about his decision to resign, his accomplishments and regrets over the past decade as provost and chancellor, the upheaval caused by the "Category I" admissions scandal, and the school's future. Excerpts follow. For the complete version, please click here.

UI's annual faculty meeting will have new roster at top

URBANA – Monday's annual meeting of the University of Illinois faculty may require a lineup card.

Normally the session hosted by the campus senate is a chance for professors to question the president and chancellor, and sometimes the provost, on all manner of issues.

Country-of-origin exhibition now on view at I space

CHICAGO – A nearly ubiquitous country-of-origin label seen on countless U.S. consumer goods is the subject of a new exhibition on view through Nov. 14 at I space, the Chicago gallery of the University of Illinois.

The exhibition, "made in china: Erik Hemingway and Allison Warren," explores the meaning of the phrase that appears on a practically endless stream of consumer goods marketed worldwide.

Outgoing UI chancellor opens up on his thoughts, views

Chancellor Richard Herman, who announced his resignation last week, will spend his last day in office Monday. He sat down with The News-Gazette Friday to talk about his decision to resign, his accomplishments and regrets over the past decade as provost and chancellor, the upheaval caused by the "Category I" admissions scandal, and the school's future.

Wine event proceeds to benefit UI hospitality program

URBANA – The local fifth annual celebration of a French wine release will be Nov. 23.

The Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration will include French wine and a cold buffet for $75 per person. Proceeds are for the University of Illinois' Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition's hospitality management program.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Land-grant law keys wide-ranging talks

URBANA – U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and several leaders at the University of Illinois are joining a host of government leaders, presidents of public universities and Lincoln scholars on the campus this weekend to discuss the future of higher education in the United States.

The conference, which kicked off Friday evening, is called "Lincoln's Unfinished Work: The Morrill Act and the Future of Higher Education."

Friday, October 23, 2009

Many area schools are feeling H1N1 flu virus's effects

Watseka High School started out the week with a slightly higher than normal absence rate, but by Wednesday, one-third of the students were home sick with the flu. With so many absences, the district decided to close the school Thursday and today.

Administrators at University Laboratory High School in Urbana faced the same decision Thursday morning, when they had 70 of their 310 students out sick.

H1N1 largely absent so far in Danville-area schools

One case was confirmed Thursday in a Danville 6-year-old, but schools haven't had problems seen in other districts

Although Vermilion County health officials on Thursday confirmed that a Danville 6-year-old has tested positive for the H1N1 virus, school officials in Vermilion County said they haven't experienced a spike in absenteeism of students or teachers due to the flu.

Graduate student union plans attention-getting rally

CHAMPAIGN – The graduate student union at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana will rally Monday before a targeted audience: fellow graduate students.

From 8 to 8:30 a.m., the Graduate Employees Organization will rally outside the I Hotel and Convention Center, 1900 S. First St., C, where the Illinois Association of Graduate Schools Conference on Graduate Education and the Economy is being held.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Artist's landscape on sale to benefit Danville schools

DANVILLE – The latest print in local artist Amy Chrisman's series of Vermilion County landmarks is now available through a fundraiser by the Danville Public School Foundation.

The giclee print features Danville High School, the school district's flagship school.

Westville school district receives bad news on testing

WESTVILLE – School officials learned Wednesday that too many high school and grade school students in the district performed poorly on standardized state tests last spring for their schools to meet the state's adequate yearly progress goals.

Judith Giacoma Elementary School failed to meet the goals in reading, and Westville High School failed to meet the goals in both math and reading. Judith Giacoma Elementary met its goals last year, but this is the second year in a row that Westville High has not.