Emily Hays

Champaign

Reporter at Illinois Newsroom

Reporter at WILL-TV (Urbana, IL)

Reporter @willpublicmedia, ex @newhavenindy @cvilletomorrow @goodreasonradio. Opinions my own.

Articles

Danville school board hires internally for next superintendent

1 week ago | ipmnewsroom.org | Emily Hays

https://ipmnewsroom.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DanvilleSupt.mp3DANVILLE — The Danville School District 118 board has selected one of the district’s own administrators to be the next superintendent. Westville native John Hart is now officially the head of District 118. He has been with the district for over 20 years, and he has been interim superintendent since February. “This job has not been easy, but it only gets easier.
Next U of I chancellor talks AI, responding to Trump policies and comic books

2 weeks ago | nprillinois.org | Emily Hays

CHAMPAIGN — Charles Isbell will become the next chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, after a unanimous vote from the Board of Trustees on Monday. U of I System President Tim Killeen told IPM News that Isbell’s leadership experience and academic background brought him to the top of a strong list of candidates. “His understanding of modern digital technologies is very much an advantage for us, because all of society’s being transformed by that,” Killeen said.
Next U of I chancellor talks AI, responding to Trump policies and comic books

2 weeks ago | flipboard.com | Emily Hays

The Big Business of Foreign Students at American UniversitiesOn the menu today: We turn away from the fires of Los Angeles for a deep dive into one of the economic engines of America’s colleges and …
Next U of I chancellor talks AI, responding to Trump policies and comic books

2 weeks ago | ipmnewsroom.org | Emily Hays

CHAMPAIGN — Charles Isbell will become the next chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, after a unanimous vote from the Board of Trustees on Monday. U of I System President Tim Killeen told IPM News that Isbell’s leadership experience and academic background brought him to the top of a strong list of candidates. “His understanding of modern digital technologies is very much an advantage for us, because all of society’s being transformed by that,” Killeen said.
How will this spring’s General Assembly session affect education in Illinois?

3 weeks ago | ipmnewsroom.org | Emily Hays

URBANA — The Illinois General Assembly’s spring session has come to an end. State lawmakers passed dozens of education bills. They also left hundreds more on the table when they wrapped up this past weekend. The state budget, Senate Bill 2510, is the most important bill that passed. It includes a for grade and high schools than many education advocates wanted.
Rural library funding threats

3 weeks ago | npr.org | Emily Hays
School board votes out Champaign Unit 4 Superintendent Shelia Boozer

4 weeks ago | ipmnewsroom.org | Emily Hays

CHAMPAIGN — The first Black, female superintendent of Champaign Unit 4 schools has been pushed out after four years. The majority of the school board voted Thursday to approve a separation agreement with Superintendent Shelia Boozer. The move received vocal disapproval from a largely Black audience of parents and civil rights leaders. “Your leadership as superintendent of Champaign Unit 4 schools has been transformative. You didn’t just lead. You made us feel like we belong,” parent and Booker T.
Champaign Unit 4 school board to finalize Superintendent Shelia Boozer's departure

1 month ago | ipmnewsroom.org | Emily Hays

CHAMPAIGN — The Champaign Unit 4 Board of Education plans to vote on a separation agreement Thursday with Superintendent Shelia Boozer. Another administrator, Executive Director of Facilities and Services Dan Casillas, would be appointed acting superintendent, according to the meeting agenda. The school board was divided over Boozer’s tenure for two years before the election last month. In April, voters elected a majority that support replacing her as superintendent.
Rural library funding threats : NPR

1 month ago | businessandamerica.com | Emily Hays

For years, the Institute of Museum and Library Services has supported rural libraries. However, cuts by the Trump administration could jeopardize their future. SCOTT DETROW, HOST: There are 9,000 public libraries in the United States, excluding branches and bookmobiles. About two-thirds are in rural areas or towns according to federal data.
Rural library funding threats

1 month ago | kuow.org | Emily Hays

For years, the Institute of Museum and Library Services has supported rural libraries. However, cuts by the Trump administration could jeopardize their future.