Illinois Families for Public Schools
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ilfps.bsky.social
Illinois Families for Public Schools
@ilfps.bsky.social
780 followers 440 following 1K posts
Grassroots, non-profit 501c4 advocacy org representing the interests of Illinois pro-public school families. Public schools = public good! info@ilfps.org
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ilfps.bsky.social
he new federal voucher scheme that rolls out in 2027 is a tax credit scholarship program which makes use of a middleman “scholarship granting organization” to obscure the use of taxpayer funds. This is done in part to give cover for using public dollars for private, religious education.
Background graphic: B & W photo of U.S. Department of Education building Text in a rectangle shape: What to know about the new federal school voucher program; Are tax credit scholarships the same as traditional vouchers?; Yes. Both types of vouchers divert public tax dollars to pay for private schools. A tax credit scholarship program just makes use of a middleman “scholarship granting organization” to obscure the use of taxpayer funds, in part to give cover for using public dollars for private, religious education.; ILFPS.ORG
November 25, 2025 at 10:07 PM
ilfps.bsky.social
With the multitude of federal attacks on our public ed system, it’s difficult to keep track of what needs attention. Disappointingly, there hasn’t been much discussion in IL yet from pro-public ed electeds about refusing the fed voucher program that starts in 2027—and that needs to change!
Background graphic: B & W photo of U.S. Department of Education building Text in a rectangle shape: What to know about the new federal school voucher program; What is the federal school voucher program?; In July 2025, Congress passed legislation inside the H.R. 1 “One Big Beautiful Bill” to create a federal voucher program in the form of a tax credit scholarship program. Each state can choose to opt in or opt out of the voucher program. The program will start in 2027.; ILFPS.ORG
November 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
ilfps.bsky.social
Check out our “What to know about the new federal school voucher program” Q & A for Illinois public school supporters to learn more and share widely with your networks and legislators to defend our public schools.

Find it here: bit.ly/Q_A_federal_vouchers_fall_2025
Tan background Text (bold lowercase font): federal vouchers (light red) what to know (black); ilfps.org Illinois Families for Public Schools logo (outline of the state of IL with the text, Illinois Families for Public Schools, on wide ruled notebook paper)
November 23, 2025 at 7:39 PM
ilfps.bsky.social
The fed gov is taking steps toward dismantling the Dept of Education. These actions are illegal—Congress can stop them.

Call your members of Congress NOW: bit.ly/USED_SOS

We must act swiftly to protect federal funding for schools and ensure safe, welcoming learning environments for ALL students.
Teal background with red rotary phone graphic and Illinois Families for Public Schools logo (outline of the state of IL with the text, Illinois Families for Public Schools, on wide ruled notebook paper) Text: Tell Congress to Keep Education Funds With the Education Department - ACTION ALERT The federal government is taking steps toward dismantling the Department of Education. These actions are illegal, and Congress can stop them. We must protect federal funding for schools and ensure safe, welcoming learning environments for all students. Call your members of Congress: bit.ly/USED_SOS
November 20, 2025 at 2:20 PM
ilfps.bsky.social
This is an actual screenshot from a reel posted by the US Department of Education to announce the end of the fed government shutdown, you guys. Deeply sickening to have these people running anything at all. What else can you even say about this www.facebook.com/reel/1313610...
Still shot from video: Headshot of young-ish white woman with bleached hair, glittery sunglasses and turtleneck covered in sequins, smiling with her tongue stuck out, holding a $100 (?) dollar bill in her hands adorned with long fake nails. Truly this verbal description is inadequate to convey how disturbing the entire video is.
November 13, 2025 at 3:11 PM
ilfps.bsky.social
Chicagoans: has your Board of Ed member heard from you yet about student data protection issues with mental health tech company Hazel Health? Students shouldn't have to sacrifice their privacy to get counseling services! More info & how to take action here: www.ilfps.org/keep_ice_big...
Graphic of law enforcement officer with flashlight shining onto a computer and mobile phone showing a telehealth appointment] Text reads "CHICAGOANS: Tell your Board of Ed member to fix or cancel the Hazel Health contract. Students shouldn't have to sacrifice their privacy to get counseling services. That's not receiving care, that's being harmed!'
October 23, 2025 at 3:50 PM
ilfps.bsky.social
Students shouldn’t have to sacrifice their privacy to get counseling services, and, if their data is being exploited or exposed, that’s not receiving care, that’s being harmed!

Chicagoans, email your Chi Board of Ed member & urge them to fix the Hazel Health contract: www.ilfps.org/keep_ice_big...
In white text on a purple oval: We Call On Chicago Board Of Education To Overhaul Or Cancel the Hazel Health Telehealth Counseling Contract Large purple quotation marks And white text on a navy background: “We have also encountered overly lax privacy protections for student telehealth mental health services in New York City. But the agreement signed by Chicago Public Schools is among the worst we’ve ever encountered. The extremely sensitive personal data of students is being illegally sacrificed for commercial purposes and targeted ads in a manner that could seriously worsen their safety and emotional health” Leonie Haimson Parent Coalition for Student Privacy Co-chair
October 20, 2025 at 5:53 PM
ilfps.bsky.social
We’re asking the Chicago Board of Ed and CPS Interim Superintendent/CEO to scrutinize its dangerous & defective student therapy contract with Hazel Health, an ICE adjacent, for-profit, privately held corporation.

Contact your Board of Ed member to take action: www.ilfps.org/keep_ice_big...
In white text on a purple oval: We Call On Chicago Board Of Education To Overhaul Or Cancel the Hazel Health Telehealth Counseling Contract Large purple quotation marks And white text on a navy background: “No school district should outsource its responsibility for protecting student confidentiality to private investors. CPS has a moral and legal obligation to ensure that every mental health partnership upholds the same privacy and professional standards that licensed clinicians follow every day.” Kyle Hillman National Association Of Social Workers - IL Chapter Director of Legislative Affairs
October 17, 2025 at 1:04 PM
ilfps.bsky.social
CPS “free” telehealth therapy services provider just merged with a Palantir-partner startup. (Yes, that Palantir!) Handing students’ most sensitive data over to Silicon Valley was never ok; and it’s just beyond bad now. Tell CPS to pause this contract! Details here: www.ilfps.org/keep_ice_big...
Text headline: Keep ICE’s Big Tech partners out of our kids’ counseling services! Image: graphic in dark blue-green background of police figure holding giant magnifying glass that is casting light (ok, yes that should be a flashlight! sigh.) onto a computer monitor with an image of a doctor and a mobile phone with an image of a patient
October 14, 2025 at 12:15 PM
ilfps.bsky.social
ISBE weekly newsletter last week weighs in on Mahmoud v. Taylor (www.isbe.net/Pages/Weekly...): "Illinois remains steadfast in our commitment to fostering safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments for all students — regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity."
LBGTQ+ CURRICULUM UPDATE We have received numerous inquiries asking how the Mahmoud v. Taylor U.S. Supreme Court casePDF Document affects Illinois schools. Since Mahmoud v. Taylor is still being litigated in the federal courts, the preliminary injunction issued by the U.S. Supreme Court in June affects only one school district in Maryland. The decision has no bearing on Illinois school districts at this time. Illinois remains steadfast in our commitment to fostering safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments for all students — regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. For more than 50 years, Illinois lawmakers have added instructional mandatesPDF Document that ensure our students are learning about the contributions of all races and cultures to our country. The role and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people are part of American history. Illinois School Code requires that “In public schools only, the teaching of history shall include a study of the roles and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the history of this country and this State.” ISBE believes every student deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories we tell and to learn about the rich diversity that shapes our communities.
October 6, 2025 at 9:19 PM
ilfps.bsky.social
Learning Disabilities Association of IL Virtual Conference, Fri 10/3- Sat 10/4. Register here: ldaillinois.org/october-2025... Schedule here: ldaillinois.org/wp-content/u...
Learning Disabilities Association of Illinois logo [human figure as trunk of tree with multicolored leaves]
September 29, 2025 at 6:06 PM
ilfps.bsky.social
ISBE weekly newsletter advertising annual IL Ed Tech Conference with gems like this workshop on the schedule "AI and SEL: A Powerful Partnership for Student Growth" 🫠 www.ltcillinois.org/ietc/schedule/
Screenshot of one event on the schedule of the IETC. Text reads: "[Workshop title] AI and SEL: A Powerful Partnership for Student Growth 2:55 PM - 3:45 PM Thursday 13 Nov Room B1 [List of tags for this session] Breakout Session 50 Minutes Breakout Session New To Topic Some Experience With The Topic Significant Experience With The Topic Digital Learning And Innovative Practices Teachers Instructional Leaders Library And Media Specialists IT Leaders/Support Administrators PK-2 3-5 6-8 9-12 Full Details: This session will address how to teach SEL and integrate Mindfulness Based SEL strategies into the classroom while also using AI to support this. SEL is the practice of educating students emotionally using educational practices, integrating AI is providing 21st century skills into the practice of improving emotional intelligence and competency. All things students need for future success. The practices will help students (especially those affected by trauma) to be ready to learn and it will provide teachers simple ways to use AI to improve and enhance these practices. CASEK, mindful practices, and the 5 core MBSEL strategies as well as best practices regarding AI"
September 4, 2025 at 1:25 AM
ilfps.bsky.social
More anti-trans hate targeting student in a Chicago suburban school district. @transupfrontil.com is organizing solidarity at D211 Board meeting this evening. Cant make it tonight? Email the district with your comments in support for TGNC student!
boardofeducation@d211.org
CALL TO ACTION TONIGHT! Hate groups and hateful community members are attacking a young trans athlete and showing up TONIGHT at District 211 in Palatine to speak against equal access. We need you to bring your signs and show up in support! We know it's short notice (we were just informed) but still incredibly important. The school year just started and we want to show we stand firm with our TGNC students! Open comment STARTS at 6pm, show up early (5:30pm) if you can! 1750 S. Roselle Rd., Palatine [Image has abbreviated summary of this text on background of a trans flag with hand holding megaphone]
August 20, 2025 at 11:46 PM
ilfps.bsky.social
Discussions in the IL General Assembly about education funding should be broader and deeper ASAP! Here’s a suggested script to start the conversation:
Hi, I’m a constituent. I’m happy to see that the House Executive Committee has a hearing on school finance this week, but this discussion needs to be broader than just Chicago Public Schools. The majority of schools in Illinois are in districts underfunded by the State, when we were supposed to be at full funding in 2027. What can you tell me about what my representative is doing on this issue this summer?
July 31, 2025 at 12:11 PM
ilfps.bsky.social
Rep Don Bacon of Nebraska tweeting that federal education impounded funds have all been released. Anyone know more???
Image of tweet from Congressman Don Bacon of Nebraska dated 11:00 AM · Jul 25, 2025 with text below, and three images of Bacon at an afterschool program site: Rep. Don Bacon 🇺🇸✈️🏍️⭐️🎖️ @RepDonBacon Exciting news to announce! All frozen education funding for the upcoming school year have been released, following my letter to the OMB! It helps centers like @KidsCanOmaha and our schools!
July 25, 2025 at 5:03 PM
ilfps.bsky.social
Update from National Coalition for Public Edu about modified language on vouchers in reconciliation bill. Calls still needed to Senators tonight!
@sosarizona.org @wiscednetwork.bsky.social @strongflschools.bsky.social @julielb.bsky.social @carolburris.bsky.social @piperformissouri.bsky.social
Text reading: "Here is what the bill does now: 1) Creates a permanent, unlimited tax credit for private school vouchers: Republicans removed the $4 billion volume cap on the total amount of donation. 2) Limits the amount a donor can donate: The text now allows any individual to donate to an SGO for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit worth $1,700 (rather than 10% of adjusted gross income originally). 3) Removes rule of construction asserting no Federal control over private or religious schools: Republicans removed the rule of construction that prevented any federal actions on private and religious schools. 4) Provides broad authority for the Secretary of Treasury to regulate over the program: Gives the Secretary of Treasury regulatory authority over the entire program, including explicit authority to regulate scholarship granting organizations and opening the door to regulate over private schools. 5) Creates a state “opt in” and approval of scholarship granting organizations: States can now “opt in” to the school voucher program and provide a list of SGOs that can only administer school vouchers within their state."
July 1, 2025 at 2:36 AM
ilfps.bsky.social
Next parent and Republican Alexis Morgan from Idaho, has been Idaho PTA president and school board president: Public education is essential to fulfill the promise of the American Dream. Vouchers divide communities, defund public schools & leave out students with disabilities.
Alexis Morgan, Idaho parent, standing at podium. Podium has sign reading Public Money Should Fund Public Schools. In background, other advocates at press conference
June 12, 2025 at 4:19 PM
ilfps.bsky.social
Next @strongflschools.bsky.social‬'s ‪@damarisallen.bsky.social speaking about the harm of Florida's state voucher program: public school closures, class sizes ballooning in public schools, cuts to career & college prep services, all while voucher $$ spent on amusement park tix
Families for Strong Public Schools' Damaris Allen speaking at podium. Podium with sign reading public money should fund public schools. Other public school advocates in background
June 12, 2025 at 4:10 PM
ilfps.bsky.social
Sen. Mazie Hirono (@hirono.senate.gov) up next: So grateful that public school parents, advocates, teachers are standing up and fighting back against attacks on public schools, including attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion programs, honest teaching of history. Public education is foundational
Sen Mazie Hirono at podium with public school advocates. Podium has sign reading Public Money Should Fund Public Schools.
June 12, 2025 at 4:05 PM
ilfps.bsky.social
Rep. @lucymcbath.com: This national voucher scheme and any other anti-family provisions must not remain in the Senate version of this bill. My job is to make sure all families and children get the stellar public education they deserve
Rep. McBath standing at podium with sign that reads Public Money Should Fund Public Schools and public school advocates
June 12, 2025 at 3:59 PM
ilfps.bsky.social
Senator @sanders.senate.gov: This is the wealthiest country in the history of the world, instead of worrying about our billionnaires, we need to worry about our children...We should be strengthening and expanding our public schools not privatizing them!
Image of Sen Sanders at podium with Rep Dogget and advocates. Sign on podium reads public money should fund public schools
June 12, 2025 at 3:47 PM
ilfps.bsky.social
We continue to see far right, anti-equality, anti-democracy extremist attacks on public schools, students & staff, targeting policies that support transgender students in particular. Here's some resources to help you organize & fight back: bit.ly/ilfps_fight_back. Reach out if you need more advice!
Graphic on dark blue background Text: United To Support Strong Public Schools That Serve All Kids Show Up And Speak Up At Your Local School Board Meetings Logos for Stop Moms For Liberty, Defense Of Democracy, And Illinois Families For Public Schools Text: It's Not What You Think: Exposing Hostile Takeovers of School Districts, One School at a Time -Who: Moms for Liberty, Awake Illinois, and other hate groups with the help of IPI's Illinois Parents Union -The Playbook: Spread anti-equality propaganda focused on a "gateway issue" to intimidate schools, staff and students. (Social media posts like this are just one example.) -The Real Goal is to Dismantle Education: Take over school boards, control curricula, eliminate teacher unions, book bans and lawsuits to financially harm communities. This is happening all over Chicagoland, Illinois and the U.S. Image of social media post from Illinois Parents Union with a large red general prohibition sign over it. Some of the text is obscured. The post makes a false equivalency that Schaumburg Churchill Elementary K-5 school is promoting gender changes based on a sign and a progress pride flag displayed in a classroom window. The sign reads "We are committed to ensuring the academic success and social-emotional well being of our students."
May 13, 2025 at 7:32 PM
ilfps.bsky.social
Phone banking for public schools and to stop a disastrous federal voucher program that would send $100 billion in tax dollars to private schools as vouchers (for mostly wealthy families who already have their kids in private school!) (More info on that legislation at bit.ly/novouchersil )
Image of red t-shirt that says "America needs public schools." Also url bit.ly/5_12callsforschools and QR code. Text reads "Come for the fund t-shirt raffle...Stay for the scintillating conversations with strangers about how damn important public schools are to their communities.
May 11, 2025 at 2:07 PM
ilfps.bsky.social
Yep, we're still phone banking for PUBLIC schools. Join us tmw night Mon 5/12 at 6pm. Come for the t-shirt raffle stay for the scintillating convos with strangers abt how impt public schools are to their communities! bit.ly/5_12callsforschools
On coral pink background. Mon. May 12th 6pm. (with May 12th highlighted) Make the call *again* for PUBLIC schools. Phone bank with us to tell Congress NO federal vouchers for private schools Public dollars are for public schools! [graphics are of three line-drawn school houses and a phone symbol inside a conversation bubble] Register at bit.ly/5_12callsforschools
May 11, 2025 at 1:48 PM
ilfps.bsky.social
TONIGHT! Monday, May 5th at 6pm - Make the call (AGAIN!) for PUBLIC schools. Phonebank with us in IL-12. Public funds are for public schools! No federal voucher program that diverts billions to private schools that discriminate! Register here by noon: bit.ly/5_5callsforschools
On orangey-pink background, text reading: Monday, May 5, 6pm/ MAKE THE CALL (AGAIN!) for PUBLIC Schools/ Phone bank with us to tell Congress: NO federal vouchers for private schools. Public dollars are for public schools! Graphic of a phone and a schoolhouse/ bit.ly/5_5callsforschools Also a QR code that goes to that link. Image of a blue t-shirt with “STRONG PUBLIC SCHOOLS = STRONG COMMUNITIES” printed on it in white with text reading: Phonebankers will be entered into a raffle to win this fabulous t-shirt!
May 5, 2025 at 12:31 PM