When Illinoisapproved a new school funding formulain 2017, it didn't make funding equitable across all districts overnight. But it has opened the eyes of the State Board of Education.
The new formula, called "evidence based funding," is calculated by weighing each district's financial needs against the economic resources of the surrounding community. This comparison revealed that some districts have less than half the resources they need, while other districts have three times what they need.
The state is paying for equity on an annual installment plan — around $350 million per year. But ever sincethe new lawwent into effect, state board members have made a conscious decision to ask the legislature to appropriate enough state funding to meet every district's needs.
Today, ISBE approved a budget request for $15.6 billion.
“It’s a very important budget request representing the calculations of how much it costs to fully fund a quality education for every student in Illinois, and ensure that every child in each community is put on a path to success,” said Jackie Matthews, spokeswoman for the board.
The boardmade an almost identical request last year, and received about half that amount in appropriations. Asked to confirm that fact, Matthews would only nod her head.
“So those are the questions I think we want the approved budget stand for itself today,” she said.
Board members did include a comment in the title of its budget request. It's called "Funding A Civil Right: Quality Education For All."
The largely symbolic request will be sent to the governor and lawmakers next month.
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