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Senators Jason Barickman, Bill Brady, and Local Educators Say Downstate Schools Deserve Equitable State Funding
Monday, April 01, 2013 - Posted 8:39:40 PM
NORMAL- State Senators Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington), and Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) were joined by local school superintendents Monday to call for more equitable funding for struggling downstate school districts.
A recent in-depth analysis by the State Senate Republican Caucus shows a funding disparity for downstate schools to the tune of more than $660 million a year. "Very real challenges face every school district in Illinois ," said Senator Barickman. "But for some leaders in Springfield to claim downstate school districts are getting a ‘free lunch' because the state picks up some teachers' pension costs is simply not true and jeopardizes efforts to solve the state's financial crisis."
"I understand that Chicago has troubles as well, but all Illinois students should be treated fairly and equitably across the board and the current funding levels are far from achieving this goal," said Senator Brady.
The analysis shows the Property Tax Limitation Law (PTELL) Adjustments do not make up for funds lost by property tax caps and Poverty Grant funding is disproportionate to the number of low income students in downstate schools. Chicago enrolls 31% of the poverty students in Illinois but receives 47% of the Poverty Grant funding. It is a $255 million disparity for downstate schools.
Local school officials say cuts and delays in the most basic state funding have proven difficult to manage school operations.
"Our state aid payments have been reduced, and the rates that our district receives are not equitable with the number of students we educate," said Jon Kilgore, Pontiac Township High School Superintendent. "It has left our district more reliant on local property taxes and seeking alternative funding through local sales tax increases."
"Students everywhere deserve fair treatment by other students, educators, and the officials that provide funding for our public schools," said Eureka Schools Superintendent Bob Gold. "I'm hopeful the General Assembly recognizes the hard work downstate schools are doing for the students they serve."
"There are many important issues for the legislature to tackle this year, but as we discuss pension reform, potential cost-shifts, and general state aid for schools, we must keep the disparity faced by downstate schools in mind," said Senator Barickman.
To read the full school funding disparity report from the Illinois Senate Republicans, visit http://www.senategop.state.il.us/Portals/0/Docs/Cost-Shift-FINAL.pdf.
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