Strike Ends, Struggles Continue for Ill. District

By Jeff Archer

The end of one of the longest teachers' strikes in the country so far this fall won't quickly dissolve the frustration of parents and community leaders who fear the 24-day walkout put students in the struggling East St. Louis, Ill., district in further jeopardy.

"I think the district is going to be surprised by the number of kids that don't return," said Diane Sonneman, who runs after-school and tutoring programs in the city's public-housing projects. "People really are looking into any avenue to get their kids out of the system."

Union and district leaders reached an agreement Oct. 8 with the help of a $500,000 gift from the East...