Suburban, Downstate Educators Say Funding Formula Unfair, But Change Unlikely
(CBS) -- Educators in the suburbs and downstate agree the state's formula for doling out money for schools is unfair, but it might be had to change things in the midst of a financial crisis, reports WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore.
Roger Eddy is director of the Illinois Association of School Boards and an official with the education alliance called Vision 20/20. Eddy acknowledges some poorer school districts are shortchanged because they don't get enough property tax revenue or state aid. But, he and Jason Leahy head of the Illinois Principals Association say without a state budget and with debt growing by the day solutions are not likely soon.
"Whenever the state, especially with our funding formula, does not fund the foundation level, it puts more and more pressure on those property taxes," Eddy said.
Both men say says one solution for school districts is for the state to reduce unfunded mandates, things it requires but doesn't pay for.