Illinois school board joins nationwide lawsuit against social media companies harms to children

The D128 School Board in Illinois is taking proactive steps to address its financial future, as highlighted in their recent meeting on February 28, 2025. Board members emphasized the importance of a five-year financial projection presented by Dan, which aims to identify potential budgetary challenges early and implement necessary changes to avoid future deficits.

One key takeaway from the discussion was the need for the upcoming budget to focus on "tangible changes" that can help reduce the district's reliance on "forever money," or ongoing funding sources, which could lead to financial instability if not managed properly. Board members expressed their commitment to ensuring that the district's financial health remains stable, with a goal of achieving a balanced budget in the near future.

In addition to financial discussions, the board provided an update on its participation in a significant social media litigation case. The district is one of over a thousand nationwide, including 75 in Illinois, suing major social media companies for the harm caused to children. The lawsuit seeks both monetary damages and changes to the companies' practices. The board noted that they would incur no costs unless a settlement is accepted, and they are currently in the discovery phase, with depositions of high-ranking officials from companies like Meta and TikTok scheduled for May.

As the board moves forward, they remain focused on both financial sustainability and the well-being of students in the digital age. The next steps include potential data requests from legal counsel and the possibility of moving the case to federal court, which will be determined in the coming weeks. The board's proactive approach reflects a commitment to addressing both immediate and long-term challenges facing the district.