Governor’s commission reaches bipartisan framework for state school funding formula reform

The Illinois School Funding Reform Commission on Feb. 1 approved a framework that allows members of the General Assembly to create a new school funding formula.

“Illinois is another step closer to fixing our broken school funding system,” Gov. Bruce Rauner said in a news release. 

“I applaud the commission members for putting politics aside to advance a bipartisan framework that can serve as an immediate road map for legislation. 

The framework ensures all public school children in Illinois receive equitable funding, no matter where they live.  

“We look forward to working with members of the General Assembly to quickly resolve the outstanding issues identified in the report with the hope of enacting a bipartisan school funding reform package as soon as possible.”

The 25 commission members, comprised of five members from each party in each chamber and five members appointed by the governor, met for over 75 hours during the last six months to reform the school funding formula. The commissioner says that the framework will better focus resources on the needs of students and districts. 

Through the framework, new funding will first go to schools which are farthest away from their adequacy targets, serving the most vulnerable students. 

The measure will address inequity within districts, not just among districts, and also ensure all public school children, including those who attend charter schools, receive equitable treatment.