Category: schools

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Kids Can’t Read but graduate anyway

By: Diane Benjamin h/t a reader

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Illinois leaves kids behind

By: Diane Benjamin In 2023 twenty states expanded school choice. More were added in 2024: https://schoolchoiceweek.com/2023-yes-to-school-choice/ Georgia, Louisiana, MIssouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Tennessee are working to pass some form of school choice. https://www.edchoice.org/engage/school-choice-in-the-states-april-2024/ Illinois canceled the Invest In Kids Act because teacher’s unions demanded it. Illinois kids are at a great […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

The ISU Self-Proclaimed Progressives

By: Diane Benjamin Progressives are FAR left. They don’t believe in capitalism or the Republic. Below are pictures from the Student for Justice in Palestine ISU Facebook page. 7 members were arrested Friday after refusing to leave the Hovey Hall Administration Building. https://www.25newsnow.com/2024/05/03/pro-palestinian-protesters-stage-sit-in-after-meeting-with-illinois-state-universitys-president/ One of those arrested was 40 year old Steven Lazarov. More about […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

ISU dwindling protest

h/t a reader There aren’t many kids left in the Palestinian protest. Students walking by didn’t support them, just their right to peacefully protest.

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

All you need to know about the ISU protesters:

By: Diane Benjamin See this WGLT story: https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2024-04-30/isu-students-set-up-pro-palestinian-tent-encampment-on-quad The pictures say all you need to know about the “protesters”: They are all wearing masks outside on a beautiful day: Why wear masks? There is only one reason: To hide their identity. ISU has a “microaggression” policy. The protest is more of a macro-aggression against jewish […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Tri-Valley Meets tonight

See the agenda here: https://go.boarddocs.com/il/trivalley3/Board.nsf/vpublic?open

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Don’t tell your parents

By: Diane Benjamin When Dr. David Mouser ran Tri-Valley, according to former employees, he told students “don’t tell your parents”. Tri-Valley is tiny compared to District 87, yesterday’s lockdown reasons were harder for him to keep secret. The message below was sent to parents. It isn’t a false alarm (as reported by media) when “a […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Fly on the Wall: NCHS

I hear NCHS students will be doing a charity talent show. Fabulous except where the money raised will go: Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. That organization is an NGO with more than 90% of it’s revenue from tax dollars. Obviously there aren’t any local or state children that need “relief”. Did students or advisors pick PCRF? […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

New Christian School

This is an expansion of an existing network of schools. Tired of public schools? Illinois needs school choice, competition would make public schools instantly better. An education monopoly creates mediocre education. Your kids deserve better, tell legislators you demand choices. Many states are passing school choice, Illinois kids will be left behind. If you need […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Victory for parents in Illinois – for now

By: Diane Benjamin From Awake Illinois: The attempt by Rep. Anne Stava Murray and the Rules Committee to separate you from your children by labeling you a child abuser for not “affirming” whatever your child dreams up has failed: (HB4876) Read the Awake Illinois release here: https://www.awakeil.com/so/08Ow5zUR0?languageTag=en&cid=3b7fba15-9618-40cc-a0f2-62e8c26fd1d0 If you aren’t on their email list SIGN […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Media Literacy is required teaching in Illinois High Schools

By: Diane Benjamin NPR story: https://www.npr.org/2022/09/14/1122895362/illinois-now-requires-media-literacy-instruction-in-its-high-school-curriculum Parents have a problem because “media literacy” depends on who constructs the curriculum and who teaches it. Anybody think “media literacy” includes all sides of issues? If you need proof see this story written by a Normal Community senior for the school paper: https://nchsinkspot.com/uncategorized/2023/11/14/floridas-threats-to-ap-psychology-should-scare-you-but-dont-let-them-psych-you-out/ The story has many errors, […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Unit 5 passes Strategic Plan without making it available to parents first

By: Diane Benjamin Unit 5 has a link on their website for strategic plans, the plan they passed last night isn’t on it: https://www.unit5.org/cms/lib/IL01905100/Centricity/Domain/2992/District%20Strategic%20Plan.pdf There isn’t a link to the plan in the agenda either, just a line item with no explanation: See 9a https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/1482?meeting=627064 See the discussion with slides begins at 28:00: https://vimeo.com/event/3825867 Supposedly […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

County primary results

By: Diane Benjamin The unofficial results the County prints don’t have the detail Bloomington does. https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/DocumentCenter/View/27439/Unofficial-Summary-Report_all_precincts 11,187 out of 59,375 registered voters bothered to vote. (18.84%) 7,842 voted Republican 3296 voted Democrat 5 voted libertarian, again with no candidates on the ballot 44 voted nonpartisan 6 voted blank Trump received 5,947 votes (76.89%) Biden received […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

D87: Fire this Bloomington Fireman

By: Diane Benjamin I was going to redact the guy’s name in the hope District 87 had the good sense to fire him. Since numerous complaints have been made about his harassment and inappropriate comments to female students AND he hasn’t been fired yet – I’m not redacting his name. The presentation by the Bloomington […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Fly on the Wall: Sexual Harassment in Schools

Why do schools do nothing when a “teacher” sexually harasses female students year after year? Specifics later, how widespread is the problem? Right now it’s D87. Comment or email: blnnews@yahoo.com

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

ISU wants a DEI CRT hire for president

By: Diane Benjamin One of the finalist for the new head of ISU is Dr. Donald Easton-Brooks. https://www.25newsnow.com/2024/02/21/illinois-state-university-names-second-presidential-candidate-finalist/?outputType=amp Who is he? See this story: https://www.nevadaappeal.com/news/2021/aug/28/guy-farmer-critical-race-theory-advocate-unr/ Next see his own website: https://donaldeastonbrooks.com/page/ Quote: Dr. Easton-Brooks Is Best Known As An Award-Winning Author, Leader, Researcher, And Advocate In The Area Of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Culturally Responsive […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Parental Rights in Jeopardy in Illinois

By: Diane Benjamin Are you getting signatures? https://blnnews.com/2024/01/29/its-not-the-states-job-to-parent-your-kids/ It is VITAL this question gets on the November ballot: Why is it vital? Because HB 4876 was introduced in the Illinois House. This bill finds parents guilty of child abuse if they don’t allow their child to get an abortion or gender-affirming care: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=4876&GAID=17&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=152735&SessionID=112&GA=103 More on this bill and the […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Follow-up: See the 8th grade survey

By: Diane Benjamin More on this story from yesterday: https://blnnews.com/2024/02/07/this-survey-is-real-your-kids/ According to the IYS website, the survey many area schools are participating in will be given to 8th, 10th, and 12th graders in Illinois public schools. Keep in mind the University of Illinois is conducting the survey. Tri-Valley sent a copy of the survey to parents with the […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Update: This survey is real: Your kids!

See the 8th grade survey in this story: https://blnnews.com/2024/02/08/follow-up-see-the-8th-grade-survey/ By: Diane Benjamin See this link: https://iys.cprd.illinois.edu/conducting The University of Illinois is conducting this survey via public schools. Below are the McLean County schools participating, others may still sign up: Your child’s school isn’t going to ask for permission to survey anyone. A parental opt-out form is available here: https://iys.cprd.illinois.edu/conducting/opt-out/ The three […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Local Socialists Kills Free Speech

By: Diane Benjamin A Facebook page for parents of Unit 5 kids has been taken down. It only lasted a few days. Many parents appreciated a place to discuss school issues, County Board member Krystle Able didn’t. Under socialism you aren’t allowed to even have causal conversations against the elites. You are expected to only praise Unit 5 and […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Tri-Valley update to Public Comment Policy

By: Diane Benjamin As I stated in this story Erika Reynolds, State’s Attorney had not responded to my two requests: https://blnnews.com/2024/01/31/tri-valley-lost-my-trust/ She did last night. I not only emailed her directly, but I also sent two emails to the General address listed on the County website. (stateattny@mcleancountyil.gov) From Erika: Wed, Jan 31 at 6:44 PM I am sorry for […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Free Money: Peoria Schools get Electric Buses

By: Diane Benjamin See this story: https://www.25newsnow.com/2024/01/30/peoria-public-schools-is-expecting-15-electric-buses/?outputType=amp Quotes: Peoria Public Schools District 150 has received almost $6 million in federal grants to add 15 electric school buses to its fleet. PPS Transportation Director Josh Collins says the grant will cover the cost of all 15 buses and a small portion of the infrastructure required for charging stations. The district […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Why you need to circulate those petitions

h/t a reader See petitions in this story: https://blnnews.com/2024/01/29/its-not-the-states-job-to-parent-your-kids/ Why do schools need to know your child’s sexual orientation? To exploit the answer? From Unit 5’s 2021 Equity Audit, feelings change daily especially in kids. Unit 5 wants to affirm self-identities with no guidance from parents: (note developing – what did they develop?)

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

It’s Not the State’s job to Parent Your Kids

By: Diane Benjamin Public Schools in Illinois are a threat to your job as parents. A group called Parents Matter Coalition wants to put this on the November ballot: Advisory Question of Public Policy on the Right to Parent . See this website for more information: https://www.parentsmattercoalition.org/ You can download petitions with instructions at that link. Get involved! Schools should not […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Another reason to get your kids out of public schools!

This event is organized by a regional office of education. Want to know why the number of sexually confused kids is dramatically increasing? Teachers are taught to validate all behaviors, of course without telling parents. The below was posted on Facebook by a Unit 5 teacher.

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Reminder: Tri-Valley raising your taxes tonight

It doesn’t matter if the rate is slightly lower if your assessed value is MUCH higher!

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

UPDATED VIDEO: Dashcam video – School Bus Runs Stop Sign

See the redacted original video below. By: Diane Benjamin The video is awful but you can clearly see this school bus not stop at the stop sign. I have the original dashcam video but it has identifying information, I chose not use that version. This happened yesterday where 6 Points Road meets Covell Road. The […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Search Illinois State University Graduation Rate

By: Diane Benjamin Below is what came up for me. How many years of debt do those 31% accumulate before they drop out?

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Tri-Valley taxpayers: The Board is planning to steal your money

By: Diane Benjamin Don’t fall for “the rate is slightly lower”. Your assessed value is MUCH higher making a lower rate obvious. Can you afford another 8.66% added to what you already pay? Planning to show up? The room is small – force them to move to a larger space. When is enough enough? If […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

3 things you need to know

By: Diane Benjamin 1) Did the City of Bloomington really tell the Salvation Army they can’t use mats so homeless have a place to sleep on cold nights because it’s too dangerous? People can shelter there but they won’t be allowed to sleep. Is sleeping more dangerous or being non-productive all winter because sleeping isn’t […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Unit 5 – you elected them

By: Diane Benjamin WGLT story on Unit 5 property taxes: https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2023-11-16/unit-5-proposes-151m-tax-levy-but-plans-to-lower-tax-rate Your property taxes are going up because Unit 5 needs the money. Below is a quote showing the mentality of the people you elected: People buy homes to live in. It doesn’t matter how much more your house is worth if you aren’t planning […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Looks like Unit 5 is now hiding enrollment

By: Diane Benjamin Below is what the website looked like until yesterday. Click on About Us – then District Information. The Student Enrollment tab was listed which took you to this page: Student Enrollment has been removed as an option. The link used to be: https://www.unit5.org/Page/356 Click that now to see: This page is currently […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Unit 5 enrollment

By: Diane Benjamin The Unit 5 website still hasn’t been updated: https://www.unit5.org/Page/356 I did receive this information by FOIA after reminding them it was past due. The first response was this: Unit 5 has 12,815 students, which would also include students with partial enrollments or special education enrollments (i.e students at Private Schools in town that we are […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Unit 5 has lost 1,447 students since 2016

By: Diane Benjamin My FOIA for the current enrollment is due today. The highest enrollment in the last 13 years was in 2016: 13,751. Last school year enrollment was only 12,304 – that is a DECREASE of 1,447 students. If classrooms are overcrowded it has to be because Unit 5 refuses to use their resources […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Last years School Report Cards are finally out

By: Diane Benjamin Does Unit 5 know September 30 was 30 days ago? I FOIA’d the current enrollment last week, eventually we will know. You can look at the Report Cards for every Illinois Public school here: https://www.isbe.net/Pages/PublicSchoolDistrictLookup.aspx After you pick a school – click Academic Progress. Tons of information is on this site. This […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Look what’s coming! 🥶

By: Diane Benjamin It was worth going to a few Tri-Valley School Board meetings to ask for more transparency. I hope someday they decide to live stream meetings! Of course District 87 still doesn’t. The new transparency Tri-Valley is doing is worthless unless people READ what’s being discussed. Evidently nobody read the September 20th Superintendent’s […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Need proof Unit 5 exists to create activists?

By: Diane Benjamin The Illinois State Board of Education hasn’t released the Report Card for Unit 5 yet for the 2022-2023 year. Keep in mind the previous year showed 29% of students headed to college needed Community College Remediation. https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/District.aspx?source=trends&Districtid=17064005026 How deficent are the students who choose not to go to college? Unit 5 has […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Rivian’s new Assessed Value for Property Taxes

By: Diane Benjamin Keep in mind voters were scared into giving Unit 5 the right to increase tax rates. The below is using the rate Unit 5 charged property owners in 2022. They now have the right to charge you much more regardless of how much the assessed value of your property increased. The below […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Celebrate Constitution Day!

By: Diane Benjamin Since the actual Constitution was signed 236 years ago yesterday and it fell on a weekend, the National Constitution Center is celebrating today. See their website: https://constitutioncenter.org/education/constitution-day-resources Most of the problems we face today are because the Constitution is immaterial. Restoring the principles that made America the shining city on the hill […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Boomers who fought for legalization have no idea how dangerous it is

You Can Be Addicted to Weed. I Was When I Was 12. I’m not printing excerpts of this one – you need to read it yourself: https://www.thefp.com/p/legal-weed-destroying-my-generation?publication_id=260347&post_id=137019148&action=share&triggerShare=true&isFreemail=true&r=2d31np h/t a reader Next: https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate.edu/organization/cannabisclubredbirds Cannabis is illegal at ISU however: https://wellness.illinoisstate.edu/living/cannabis/