Andrew Miller

A powerful teachers' union and Illinois law put up many barriers to firing tenured teachers, even ones with documented patterns of alleged misconduct.

Unit 5 said it does not know the purpose of a FOIA request from the state's attorney's office for its emails, text messages and public records requests between WGLT and the district. It came after WGLT asked about the state's attorney's information sharing with Unit 5.

A review of dozens of emails and other documents revealed siloed information sharing which kept Unit 5 from knowing what law enforcement and child welfare officials knew about its employees, even when it involved students in their care.

Teacher and cheer coach Andrew "Drew" Miller now faces a total of 56 felony charges related to grooming and possession of child sexual materials.

A judge said there was "no doubt" the state had met its burden of proof that Chiddix teacher Andrew "Drew" Miller poses a threat to society and should be detained. Miller has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Appearing in McLean County court on Thursday afternoon, Andrew "Drew" Miller, 40, of Normal, waived his right to a speedy determination about whether he’ll be detained awaiting trial on 42 felony counts.

Police spokesperson Bryce Janssen said a warrant was issued for Andrew “Drew” Miller, 40, of Normal following a grand jury indictment on Wednesday morning. Officers from the department’s street crimes unit pulled Miller over at a traffic stop at Hamilton Road and Bunn Street. He was taken into custody at 1:12 p.m.

A University High School cheerleading coach’s alleged comments to a 17-year-old student at a LaSalle County hotel were not criminal and won’t result in…