Daily Herald: Challenges facing East Aurora schools

CHICAGO (WLS) -- In the newest 3-part series, we focus on an underperforming school system on the east side of Aurora. With nearly 100 percent poverty, a graduation rate that recently rose to 64 percent (from 10 percent), and test scores well below the state average - and below those of similarly poor districts. East Aurora can't even afford to provide buses for its kids - at any age.

The first part - about the challenges facing East Aurora - runs Sunday.

In Part 2, we look closely at 2 students, one who is making it and one who won't graduate on time because of the challenges of caring for younger siblings and working an after-school job. And in Part 3, we examine the programs in the school which provide a way out for some, including ROTC, as well as visiting Rockford to see what it has done that's worked in dealing with a similar student body in some of its schools.

You can read the full story in the Daily Herald's edition from Sunday, May 22, 2016, or online at dailyherald.com.