Advocates in Illinois Are Sending their Message Loud and Clear

Advocates in Illinois are calling attention to the impending financial crisis faced by school districts across the state. People from across the state rallied in Springfield on March 24, 2004 to demand that the education funding system be reformed in order to lessen the burden on local property tax payers and provide more resources for the state's neediest schools.

Voters apparently agreed. Because so many localities across the state already feel that they are taxing themselves to the hilt to pay for increased education costs, on March 16, 2004 they rejected 54% (64 of 118) of education referenda on local ballots. This may result in already financially strapped districts having to make even deeper cuts by laying off teachers and eliminating programs.

The Illinois State Board of Education, following on the heels of the March 16 vote, announced that the number of school districts on the state's "financial watch" list has nearly doubled and includes 156 of the state's 893 school districts. Another 140 districts are in the next category, the Financial Early Warning List. The lists are based on fiscal year 2003 financial data and, except for a change in the way the designations are formulated, would include a greater number of school districts in financial trouble.

With over a third of districts in financial trouble and children suffering as a result, A+ Illinois, a statewide coalition launched this February, is calling on the state to provide a quality education for every child in Illinois, deliver lasting property tax relief, and protect services that are vital to children, families and communities. The coalition is encouraging it's members to write letters to the editor of local papers challenging Illinois' political leaders to adequately fund education.

Organizer of the March 24th rally, Sharon Voliva of Better Funding for Better Schools says they are not finished sending their message. They plan to hold another rally in Springfield on May 12. This rally will focus on high school seniors who will be eligible to vote by the next election in November. They plan to bring attention to what resources have disappeared while they were in school and what won't be there for their younger brothers and sisters.

With so many districts in financial peril, advocates hope that the politicians in Springfield will finally get the message that schools need help now.

Prepared by Melissa Mangino April 7, 2004