The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has released data showing the impact of a $1.8 billion increase in funding for the state's highest-need schools under Governor JB Pritzker's administration. The Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) formula, established in fiscal year 2018, aims to distribute resources more equitably among Illinois schools. Since then, the state’s investment in EBF has increased from $6.8 billion in FY 2019 to $8.6 billion in FY 2025.
This substantial increase in funding has significantly reduced the number of underfunded districts, from 430 below 70% adequacy in FY 2018 to just 49 in FY 2025. The percentage of fully funded districts has also grown, with 37.3% reaching full funding (Tier 3 or 4 status) in FY 2025, compared to only 22.7% in FY 2018. The funding formula considers each district’s unique student needs, enrollment size, and current funding levels to ensure equitable distribution.
For FY 2025, the General Assembly appropriated an additional $350 million for EBF, with 99% of the new funding allocated to the highest-need districts. Additionally, approximately $50 million will be available in Property Tax Relief Grants for districts with the highest property tax rates. ISBE also released a new report summarizing districts’ EBF Spending Plans, promoting transparency and helping the public understand how these funds benefit local students and communities.
Governor Pritzker and State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders have both emphasized the transformative impact of EBF, highlighting the ongoing commitment to providing all Illinois students with a high-quality education regardless of their ZIP code.
