CHICAGO – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is hosting an informative town hall meeting to discuss the state of education within the Chicago Public School system. 

“Education is critical to social, economic and health justice,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “With the right school support, our students of today become the leaders of tomorrow.”

Residents are encouraged to join Lightford and a variety of experts and stakeholders on Wednesday, Nov. 1 from 6-8 p.m. The in-person event will be held at the Michele Clark Academic Prep Magnet High School, located at 5101 W. Harrison St. in Chicago.

The town hall will educate and inform residents about the state of education within CPS, and give them the opportunity to ask questions of both Lightford and industry experts.

The event is free and open to the public. People with questions can contact Lightford’s office at 708-632-4500.

The Austin Community suffered from home and property damages during the July storms earlier this year. Below are resources for those who experienced flooding due to the storms. Please review and reach out to my office should you need further assistance at (708) 632-4500.

SPRINGFIELD – Building upon her steadfast commitment to ensure Illinois schools are taking a trauma-responsive approach, Senator Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford championed a new law to bring more training and resources to the education system.

“School officials should be equipped to identify the warning signs of mental illness, trauma and suicidal behavior in youth,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “Training is crucial to encouraging appropriate trauma-responsive intervention and techniques in schools.”

The Whole Child Task Force establishes an equitable, safe, inclusive and supportive environment in all schools for students dealing with trauma and mental health issues. The task force collects data on adverse childhood experiences and trauma, as well as the total number of school counselors, social workers, nurses and psychologists in Illinois schools.

As a part of the Black Caucus’ Four Pillar Agenda that Lightford spearheaded, House Bill 342 implements recommendations to the Whole Child Task Force Report to improve schools in Illinois by ensuring that all schools are equipped with training and resources to meet the diverse trauma and mental health needs of their students.

SPRINGFIELD – All Illinois children will now have equal access to full-day kindergarten thanks to a new law championed by Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford.

“Kindergarten is pivotal for children’s learning journey,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “Full-day kindergarten classes across the state will ensure equal access to early learning opportunities for all our families.”

Parents who live in districts without the option of full-day kindergarten are often faced with additional barriers to preparing their children for early elementary school. These barriers include, but are not limited to, mid-day transportation, loss of income due to being home with the child or finding additional childcare, and ensuring developmentally appropriate activities are being provided throughout the day.

Currently, it is optional for school districts to offer full-day kindergarten. Lightford’s law provides full-day kindergarten options with developmentally appropriate play-based learning opportunities for families throughout the state.