A state panel charged with suggesting changes to how Illinois distributes money to local school districts agrees that more money should be spent on education but left questions about how it should be doled out in a report it issued Wednesday.
The Illinois School Funding Reform Commission called for an increase of at least $3.5 billion in school money over the next decade, adding that more should be spent on districts with a higher population of poor students. The panel did not provide a detailed formula for state officials to use, instead offering a "framework" that includes establishing new funding targets for each district.
Those targets would be set based on a district’s enrollment and ability to tap into local taxes, as well as the number of students who have disabilities, are low-income, live in areas of high poverty and are in the process of learning English.
More money could be hard to come by, though, as Republicans and Democrats in Springfield continue their historic budget stalemate.
The bipartisan commission was formed by Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner last summer after a bruising battle with Democrats over education funding. While Democrats pushed for changes, Rauner had said it was an issue that could wait. It’s a matter that has been studied by many panels, though their efforts often fizzle.
The governor said Wednesday that he’s "personally very committed" to ensuring that the commission’s suggestions result in real changes, saying "our state needs to step up."
Tax hike unlikely option for CPS, says ratings agency Juan Perez Jr.
A Wall Street ratings agency took issue with a competitor’s recent conclusion that Chicago Public Schools could let an automatic tax hike kick in to ease the pressure of mounting debt costs.
Fitch Ratings did not argue with the grim appraisal of CPS finances presented by Moody’s Investors Service…
A Wall Street ratings agency took issue with a competitor’s recent conclusion that Chicago Public Schools could let an automatic tax hike kick in to ease the pressure of mounting debt costs.
Fitch Ratings did not argue with the grim appraisal of CPS finances presented by Moody’s Investors Service…
(Juan Perez Jr.)
Critics have long contended the existing state method for sending schools money shortchanges districts that serve poor children and doesn’t do enough to compensate districts that can’t rely on high real estate values for enough property tax money. But some ideas to fix the problem have hinged on raising taxes or reducing the amount of money that goes to wealthier districts in order to boost payments for poorer ones, both of which are difficult to sell politically.
The panel said it does not want any district’s level of funding to drop much, an idea known as holding districts harmless. The group said it’s unsure if districts should be protected from funding cuts temporarily or permanently.
The commission also raised concerns about the number of school districts in Illinois, saying the large number of districts creates "system inefficiencies and contributes to the inequity within the state." While members agreed some consolidation was needed, they said that conversation should happen outside of discussions about Illinois’ funding formula.
Included in the report was a page and a half dedicated to other "outstanding issues" that could not be resolved. They include the governor’s call to lift some unfunded mandates, requirements the state has for schools that don’t come with money to pay for them.
Sen. Andy Manar, a Democrat from Bunker Hill who sat on the panel, said the focus must now be on passing legislation that incorporates the panel’s work.
"The true measure of success will be this: It will be whether or not the Democrats and Republicans in the legislature can come to an agreement with Gov. Rauner and enact a meaningful change to put an end to the current system and replace it with one that focuses resources on children that live in poverty."
Chicago Tribune’s Kim Geiger contributed.
mcgarcia@chicagotribune.com
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