The Hunt Institute Brings Illinois Legislators Together for 4th Annual Illinois Legislators Retreat · The Hunt Institute

• About See more about our commitment to quality education. Our StoryLearn about our commitment to improving education.Our TeamMeet the team at The Hunt Institute.Board of DirectorsMeet our board of directors.Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. Leadership AwardLearn more about our new Leadership Award.NewsCheck out the latest from The Institute.Join Our TeamSee job listings and more about working for us.Our Supporters and PartnersLearn more about our invaluable supporters and partners.FinancialsAccess our financial reports.
• Our StoryLearn about our commitment to improving education.
• Our TeamMeet the team at The Hunt Institute.
• Board of DirectorsMeet our board of directors.
• Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. Leadership AwardLearn more about our new Leadership Award.
• NewsCheck out the latest from The Institute.
• Join Our TeamSee job listings and more about working for us.
• Our Supporters and PartnersLearn more about our invaluable supporters and partners.
• FinancialsAccess our financial reports.
• Programs See our programs for education leaders. Early Childhood EngagementRead about our early learning supports.Education GovernorsSee how we shape effective leaders for education.Hunt-Kean Leadership FellowsRead about our program, meet our Fellows, and more.Hunt-Lee Mayors Leadership FellowshipRead about our Mayors program, meet our Mayors, and more.Hunt State Policy FellowsRead about our HSPF program, meet our Fellows, and more.State Legislators RetreatsLearn about our relationships with state legislatures.Postsecondary Leaders ProgramsLearn how we develop higher education champions.K-12 LiteracyExplore our programs to improve literacy learning.John M. Belk Impact FellowshipLearn more about The Fellowship.
• Early Childhood EngagementRead about our early learning supports.
• Education GovernorsSee how we shape effective leaders for education.
• Hunt-Kean Leadership FellowsRead about our program, meet our Fellows, and more.
• Hunt-Lee Mayors Leadership FellowshipRead about our Mayors program, meet our Mayors, and more.
• Hunt State Policy FellowsRead about our HSPF program, meet our Fellows, and more.
• State Legislators RetreatsLearn about our relationships with state legislatures.
• Postsecondary Leaders ProgramsLearn how we develop higher education champions.
• K-12 LiteracyExplore our programs to improve literacy learning.
• John M. Belk Impact FellowshipLearn more about The Fellowship.
• Our Approach Find out how we unite experts from across the country. InitiativesSee how we encompass the full education continuum.ImpactFind out how we gather and empower education leaders.Our Supporters and PartnersLearn more about our invaluable supporters and partners.
• InitiativesSee how we encompass the full education continuum.
• ImpactFind out how we gather and empower education leaders.
• Resources News & resources on the education continuum. BlogRead the latest.NewsRead the latest news about The Institute.PublicationsFind and download publications.WebinarsRegister for upcoming webinars and find series recordings.Across the AisleFinding commonalities in bipartisan education priorities.Higher Education Attainment SnapshotRead more about a current snapshot of states' higher...National Child Care Finder ScaleLearn more about our newest scale on a systematic...
• BlogRead the latest.
• NewsRead the latest news about The Institute.
• PublicationsFind and download publications.
• WebinarsRegister for upcoming webinars and find series recordings.
• Across the AisleFinding commonalities in bipartisan education priorities.
• Higher Education Attainment SnapshotRead more about a current snapshot of states' higher...
• National Child Care Finder ScaleLearn more about our newest scale on a systematic...
• AboutOur StoryOur TeamBoard of DirectorsGovernor James B. Hunt, Jr. Leadership AwardNewsJoin Our TeamOur Supporters and PartnersFinancials
• Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. Leadership Award
• Our Supporters and Partners
• ProgramsEarly Childhood EngagementEducation GovernorsHunt-Kean Leadership FellowsHunt-Lee Mayors Leadership FellowshipHunt State Policy FellowsState Legislators RetreatsPostsecondary Leaders ProgramsK-12 LiteracyJohn M. Belk Impact Fellowship
• Early Childhood Engagement
• Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows
• Hunt-Lee Mayors Leadership Fellowship
• Hunt State Policy Fellows
• State Legislators Retreats
• Postsecondary Leaders Programs
• John M. Belk Impact Fellowship
• Our ApproachInitiativesImpactOur Supporters and Partners
• ResourcesBlogNewsPublicationsWebinarsAcross the AisleHigher Education Attainment SnapshotNational Child Care Finder Scale
• Higher Education Attainment Snapshot
• National Child Care Finder Scale
• Back to All Resources
• More in Featured on Homepage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 21, 2026 Contact: Dr. Javaid Siddiqi Javaid.Siddiqi@hunt-institute.org | (984) 377-5200

Chicago, IL — The Hunt Institute hosted its 4th Annual Illinois Legislators Retreat on July 20–21 at the University of Illinois Chicago, bringing together state legislators from across Illinois to address the state’s most pressing education issues.

The 2026 Retreat was hosted in partnership with bipartisan and bicameral Co-Chairs, Lieutenant Governor Stratton, Speaker Chris Welch, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, Assistant Majority Leader Maurice West II, Assistant Minority Leader Amy Elik, and Representative Mary Beth Canty, reflecting The Hunt Institute’s long-standing commitment to fostering bipartisan leadership in service of students and the state’s future.

“With the support of our bipartisan co-chairs, I’m excited about the impact and collaboration this Retreat will inspire. The Illinois Legislators Retreat has become a meaningful opportunity for lawmakers to come together, strengthen relationships across the aisle, and engage in thoughtful discussions about the future of education,” said Dr. Javaid Siddiqi, President and CEO of The Hunt Institute. “As The Hunt Institute marks its 25th anniversary and honors Governor Jim Hunt’s enduring legacy, we remain committed to creating spaces where policymakers can learn from one another, build trust, and work toward practical solutions that expand opportunity and improve outcomes for students in Illinois and across the nation.”

“Illinois’ future depends on strong education policy that expands opportunity, strengthens our workforce, and supports thriving communities. The Illinois Legislators Retreat provides a forum for legislators to build relationships and explore solutions that benefit students across the state,” said Retreat Co-Chair, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch – IL House District 7.

Over two days, legislators engaged with national experts, state leaders, and practitioners to explore data-informed strategies spanning the full education continuum—from early childhood through postsecondary education and workforce development. Sessions examined policies that respond to the evolving needs of Illinois students, families, communities, and employers, while equipping legislators with practical insights to inform their work in the upcoming legislative session.

“When we invest in our students, we invest in Illinois’ future. Every learner deserves the opportunity to succeed, and that starts with strong leadership and meaningful collaboration. I know The Hunt Institute’s work is centered on improving outcomes for all learners, and this Retreat creates an important space for leaders to come together, share ideas, and advance that shared goal,” said Retreat Co-Chair, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton.

In addition to the distinguished state and national education leaders who joined legislators throughout the Retreat, The Hunt Institute was honored to welcome Dr. Tony Sanders, Illinois State Superintendent of Education, who participated on a panel exploring the shift from measuring “chronic absenteeism” to promoting “consistent attendance,” and what this change could mean for how Illinois measures student success and supports school districts.

“Strong education policy creates stronger opportunities for Illinois students, families, and communities. By working together to expand pathways to success, we can build a more prepared workforce and a stronger future for our state. We’re grateful to The Hunt Institute for convening leaders around these important issues,” said Co-Chair, Assistant Republican Leader, Amy Elik – IL House District 111.

About The Hunt Institute

The Hunt Institute, an affiliate of Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, is a leader in transforming public education. Marshaling expertise from a nationwide partner network since its establishment in 2001, The Institute brings together people and resources that help build and nurture visionary leadership and mobilize strategic action for greater educational outcomes and student success.

For more information, please visit: www.hunt-institute.org

Share This

Get Informed & Help Us Make An Impact

• Education Initiatives

Share This Resource!

Fill out the form below to share this resource with a friend.

Contact Us

4000 Centregreen Way, Suite 301, Cary, NC 27513

© 2026 The Hunt Institute. An affiliate of the Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy. All rights reserved.Website by Chariot

Quick Resources

• Accessibility Statement