Urbana Schools Action Coalition

Wiley Elementary school was closed despite its vibrant community of families and teachers who worked together to produce the only rising test scores in Urbana’s elementary schools. Consistent with the legacy of Flossie Wiley, who served in our district 36 years, including serving as principal of Leal School, Wiley school consistently built community and belonging. Now, the district and board, without public hearings required by their policies, are apparently eliminating the name. The superintendent has already changed the name in state records, and has belatedly formed a naming committee for the new sixth grade center. If the erasure of this historic school name—the only school in Urbana named after a woman—concerns you, please consider this petition at change.org.

https://chng.it/hzLrbgwPFZ

Sign the Petition Keep the Wiley School Name!

We applaud the brave staff at Doctor Preston Williams today who are participating in a sick-out to improve conditions for them and their students. Teachers and students deserve to teach and learn in a supportive environment. We hope that Central Office hears them loud and clear.

Three of our school board members don’t appear to be running in the upcoming election, creating vacancies that will be filled by appointed members. We desperately need elected voices on our board, and the process of running as a write-in candidate couldn’t be much simpler. Here’s the one-page form you need to file at the County Clerk’s office. If you are interested in running, let us know! We will do everything we can to support you.

champaigncountyclerk.com

We hope you enjoy this satirical PE waiver request from a fellow Urbana parent.

In case anyone cares about this issue, Urbana is applying for a waiver to have PE twice a week instead of 3 times a week as is required by law. The public hearing is tomorrow night at 6pm. They are required to document how many people for and against the proposal so your voice could actually matter here.

Any former Wiley families that petitioned and your petition wasn’t granted? I’m just interested if the district honored their priority to Wiley families.

Very thoughtful piece from board member Jennifer Hixson.

My Turn | 'Does anyone have a perspective that hasn’t been shared?' "I had no idea how important a school board is before this April, and I am still learning. But one thing is certain. Our schools and our children need all

Play date for the new dual language school this Friday evening.

Tonight the Urbana School Board will vote on whether or not to keep Urbana property taxes high.

Read more in this article.

My Turn | Urbana schools' expulsions may include a property-tax cut "Property-tax relief would help address Urbana’s urgent need for growth, both in the city and in the school district," Tom Schroeder writes.