Education and Family

Lab Schools director Anthony Jones says said one way to boost diversity is better communication with potential students during the application period early in the year.

It will be expensive to remove asbestos from the Normal Public Library. Estimates range from $3.5 million to more than $5 million if other improvements are done at the same time.

McLean County high school students are given the chance to work with industry professionals through the Bloomington Area Career Center’s HEAT Academy.

Bloomington-Normal leaders are emphasizing the need for more broadband connectivity in underserved and rural areas.

Data from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) show Unit 5 tax rates are lower than average among peer districts in total property tax rate. That also would be true if rates that would go into effect after a successful referendum are compared to the most current data available statewide.

District 87 schools in Bloomington want to expand early childhood education, but there are some hoops to jump through to get a new facility.

During the first seven months of the state’s current fiscal year, 38 inmates have earned associate degrees and nine have completed bachelor’s degrees, according to the Illinois Department of Corrections.

The second Unit 5 tax referendum campaign in six months will be a lot more specific on what happens if it doesn't pass than the first one was. Before the failed November referendum, school district leaders said they didn't want to get into the details of what they would do if it failed because they wanted to make a positive case for preserving the schools as they are.

Heartland Community College is expanding child care so students with kids can take evening classes, do research, and meet with faculty.

Bloomington-Normal's next big thing in playgrounds is all but complete — a $5 million, 16-acre natural playground at Colene Hoose Elementary School in Normal.