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The Illinois State Board of Education told a Senate
Appropriations-Education Committee Wednesday that schools are
looking for $10.3 billion for fiscal year 2024 that begins July 1.
That is an increase of $517 million from fiscal 2023.
ISBE’s budget proposal includes a $75 million increase for early
childhood programs.
Some committee members were concerned about a proposed decrease in
funding for vocational transportation for students. State Sen. Terri
Bryant, R-Murphysboro, said her district in southern Illinois is
spread out making it difficult to get to school.
“When you think about 28 counties all trying to get transportation
to the hubs that are giving that vocational training, a cut like
this is like a knife in the heart,” Bryant said.
Board officials said the governor’s proposed budget would reduce
funding for vocational transportation by $353 per student.
The board was asked about the nearly $90 million error that went to
Chicago Public Schools and shorted school districts around the
state. Financial officer Scott Harry assured the committee that it
has been taken care of.
“School districts that were underpaid for those years were made
whole as a result of that $87 million supplemental,” Harry said.
“There is a repayment plan from CPS to the state.”
Committee members also voiced concerns over learning loss from the
pandemic.
“They’re behind on reading, math, social skills,” said state Sen.
Tom Bennett, R-Gibson City. “What do we do? How do we tackle this
thing?”
State Superintendent of Schools Tony Sanders said Illinois has
invested in high-impact tutoring and it is available to all school
districts across the state.
Kevin Bessler reports on statewide issues in Illinois
for the Center Square. He has over 30 years of experience in radio
news reporting throughout the Midwest.
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