Jim Masters
46 POSTS0 COMMENTS
Jim Masters grew up on 191st Street in Lansing. He attended Nathan Hale Elementary, was a member of St. Ann Church, graduated with the first graduating class at Heritage Middle School, and graduated from TF South High School in 1981. Inspired by his journalism teacher Joe Hyde, Jim earned a BA in Journalism from Northern Illinois University. He has more than 25 years of experience as beat reporter, specializing in government, politics, criminal justice, human interest stories, and education.
Lansing teachers now required to get COVID vaccine
by Jim Masters
LANSING, Ill. (August 26, 2021) — Teachers and staff members of Lansing schools will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or face weekly testing for the virus.On Thursday, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker issued such an order for the entire state in an effort to slow the...
District 158 establishes diversity task force helmed by Memorial principal Keli Ross
“We know that some of the conversations may be uncomfortable, but I think we can do that in a respectful manner where we can achieve growth."
by Jim Masters
LANSING. Ill. (August 26, 2021) — A committee of teachers, school staff, parents, students and members of the community coming together for...
District 158 refinances 2013 bonds, lightening tax load
by Jim Masters
LANSING, Ill. (August 25, 2021) – Village taxpayers will save a collective $940,000 through 2028 under a bond issue Lansing School District 158 renegotiated at a lower rate.The original $7.8 million bond issue was earmarked for remodeling work at Coolidge Elementary. The remaining $6.9 million will be...
District 158 hopes double summer school reduced gaps caused by pandemic
by Jim Masters
LANSING, Ill. (August 20, 2021) — Students who attended Lansing School District 158’s “double” summer school sessions, received close to a full school year of education, says Coolidge Elementary Principal Kenneth Byrne.“We are incredibly proud of the summer school staff for all their hard work in creating...
District 158 releases back-to-school COVID protocols
Masks and social distancing remain mandatory for indoor learning
by Jim Masters
LANSING, Ill. (August 10, 2021) — Back to school for Lansing School District 158 students does not mean back to normal, considering the ongoing concerns about COVID-19.While all students will be back to school on-premises beginning August 18, they...
David Kostopoulos moves from Reavis into District 158 role
by Jim Masters
LANSING, Ill. (August 2, 2021) – The academic success of Lansing School District 158 students will greatly depend on David Kostopoulos, who was recently named its new Executive Director of Curriculum & Assessment.Kostopoulos brings a wealth of experience to one of the most important administrative roles with...
District 215 to require masks at start of school year, TFS will soon revisit renaming process
by Jim Masters
LANSING, Ill. (July 31, 2021) — When TF South students return to school on August 17, everyone in the building will be masked.The Thornton Fractional Township Board of Education made that decision at its monthly meeting on July 27. In doing so, they adhered to Centers for...
Patrice Booth steps into principal role at Reavis Elementary
LANSING, Ill. (July 26, 2021) — The new principal at Reavis Elementary will be a familiar face when students begin the new school year on August 18.Patrice Booth, formerly Reavis’ assistant principal, is now at the helm. She succeeds Dave Kostopoulos, who was named Executive Director of Curriculum &...
District 158 passes COVID-19 mitigation resolution
BY JIM MASTERS
LANSING, Ill. (July 25, 2021) — What COVID-19 measures must Lansing School District 158 students, teachers, and staff follow when they return for the 2021-2022 school year?With the COVID-19 Delta variant raging in the United States, particularly among unvaccinated people, in-school protocols remain a moving target for...
District 158 continues to invest in early childhood education with Lester Crawl project
by Jim Masters
LANSING, Ill. (July 24, 2021) – The Lester Crawl Primary Center project continues to progress thanks to an infusion of cash from the Lansing School District 158 Board of Education at its meeting Wednesday.The board approved three building contracts, tallying approximately $1.35 million, as part of a...