Requests for new K-12 funding in Illinois likely to outstrip available resources

Article Summary

School officials and education advocates have requested funding increases totaling $747.99 million for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1.

The biggest items on the list include the statutory $350 million increase in Evidence-Based Funding, and a $100 million increase for “mandatory categorical programs,” including transportation and certain special education costs.

The Illinois State Board of Education is expected to finalize its budget request in January and submit it to the General Assembly for consideration as the legislature puts together a state budget for the next fiscal year.

This summary was written by the reporters and editors who worked on this story.

SPRINGFIELD — If advocates, stakeholders and members of the public were granted all their requests