State report card shows Unit 5 excelling on multiple levels, with two exemplary schools

Posted on October 31, 2023
The district recorded a significant improvement from a year ago. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Blake Haas

MCLEAN COUNTY – An annual report card shows a glowing review of McLean County’s largest school district.

The report card showed Unit 5 exceeded a wide range of educational goals with two exemplary schools with the highest honor.

Those exemplary schools are Prairieland and Towanda elementary schools.

In addition, the district had 15 commendable schools and four targeted support schools.

In a news release, the district said they were pleased to have no comprehensive or intensive schools.

Just a year ago, the district had five schools designated as targeted or comprehensive.

This includes Oakdale Elementary School last year, which is commendable this year, a significant performance improvement.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…