Bill passed to recognize private schools

More than 550 Catholic schools in Illinois may receive state recognition and accreditation once again if the governor accepts a bill that was passed Nov. 19 in the Senate.

Under Senate Bill 1014, the Illinois State Board of Education will be required to provide a voluntary state recognition process for non-public schools — a process that was discontinued in July.

With state recognition and accreditation, nonpublic schools and students will have access to public and private grants, student scholarships and financial aid opportunities, textbook loan programs and participation in interscholastic activities and athletics.

To read the rest of the story, please see The Messenger newspaper.