Central Illinois schools face consolidation and teacher shortages
Articles from Decatur Herald & Review and Peoria Journal Star warn that shrinking school age populations and rising district demands push Illinois toward consolidation. Experts like Max Pierson cite risks to opportunities and performance in small districts while jokingly recalling a drafted future to fill classrooms.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Illinois
Max Pierson
Western Illinois University
Decatur
Herald & Review
Peoria
Journal Star
California bill targets wireless spam industry impact
A pending California bill aims to outlaw wireless spam as new communication devices push into mainstream use. The piece notes that consumer acceptance hinges on perceived convenience and use, and warns that hijacking devices from their intended purpose could derail adoption.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
California
Tough choices in agency is future
Richard Goldstein reports from Springfield on upcoming agency decisions shaping policy and budget. Officials debate funding, personnel, and reform efforts amid fiscal pressures and political dynamics.
Illinois Corrections Dept Salaries Up Amid Prison Growth
Gov George H Ryan overseen rise in top administrator salaries with 88 workers earning at least 70,000 in June 1999 and 104 making 75,000 plus by Jan 1, as three new prisons began operation. Spokesman cites growth and parole overhauls. unions say hiring boosted bureaucracy without efficiency. Gov's privatization talk pauses for budget cuts.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Springfield
George H. Ryan
Illinois Department of Corrections
Corrections Department
Ryan
Jim Edgar
Illinois State Comptroller’s Office
Brian Fairchild
Fairchild
Governor shifts stance on privatization in Illinois prisons
Governor George H. Ryan moves toward privatizing prison food and commissary services, despite a 1998 memo where he opposed privatization of state run prisons and mental health centers. Officials say changes reflect fiscal concerns and avoiding layoffs during tough economic times.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Springfield
George H. Ryan
Department of Corrections
Ray Serati
Illinois
Privatizing prison food service sparks safety and job fears
John Michels, a Pinckneyville Correctional Center food supervisor, counts 310 kitchen tools and warns private staff may neglect weapon-like utensils. He worries about safety and losing his job as Illinois plans private food-service contractors to save money, with expected yearly savings of up to 20 million in coming years.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Springfield
John Michels
Pinckneyville Correctional Center
Michels
Pinckneyville
Illinois Department of Corrections
Brian Fairchild
Ackenzie
Ed Sloan
du Quoin
Sloan
Food Service
Also Mentioned on This Page
Orther
U.S
Wigton Pantagraph
BY Richard Goldstein
Springfield Bureau
Donald L.) Snyder
Matt Wettig
Vienna Correctional Center
Kenzie
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