Dr. Bill Smith, former superintendent of Alsip-Hazelgreen-Oak Lawn School District 126. Many years ago, back when Illinois was considered a wilderness, before the nation even had a Bill of Rights, the leaders of this country proclaimed the following: “Religion, morality and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged.” The words are contained in a document called the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, passed by the Congress of the Confederation of the United States. I am willing to bet most people never heard of it. Columnists In-depth political coverage, sports analysis, entertainment reviews and cultural commentary.