Advance Illinois to Spotlight Peoria Region in New Education Report Discussion

PEORIA -- The nonprofit education policy organization Advance Illinois will host a regional discussion in Peoria on Wednesday, November 12, to examine how local schools are progressing within the broader context of statewide education trends. The event, co-hosted by Peoria Public Schools District 150 and Illinois Central College, will bring together educators, policymakers, and community members to discuss findings from The State We’re In 2025, the organization’s biennial report on Illinois’ education system.

The report provides an in-depth look at how Illinois students are performing from early childhood through postsecondary education. It highlights both encouraging improvements and ongoing challenges that shape the educational landscape across the state.

According to the report, kindergarten readiness has risen since 2018, with more young children demonstrating preparedness across multiple developmental areas. State investments through the Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) formula have reduced the number of underfunded K–12 school districts, helping to ensure more equitable access to educational resources. The data also show growing postsecondary attainment rates, especially among Black and Latinx students, marking important progress toward closing racial and economic opportunity gaps.

However, the findings underscore persistent disparities that continue to affect outcomes. Gaps in achievement and access remain across income, language, and ability lines. Mental health concerns among students have also escalated, with many schools struggling to provide sufficient social-emotional support due to staff shortages.

The Peoria event will feature local education leaders who play key roles in advancing opportunity for students. Speakers include Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, superintendent of Peoria Public Schools District 150; Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey, president of Illinois Central College; and State Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth, a legislative leader for the region and long-time advocate for education equity.

The discussion will take place from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at the Illinois Central College Peoria Campus Student Center, located at 5407 N. University St. in Peoria. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with the data and discuss how local collaboration can help address barriers to student success.

Advance Illinois launched The State We’re In 2025 at the City Club of Chicago on October 1. The report is part of an ongoing series that tracks educational progress and policy changes across Illinois, from early learning through career pathways.

Community members, educators, and journalists are encouraged to review the full report at advanceillinois.org/the-state-we-are-in-2025 and watch the statewide launch event at cityclub-chicago.org.

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Advance Illinois is an independent, bipartisan organization committed to ensuring that every Illinois student has access to a high-quality education and the opportunity to thrive in college, career, and civic life.