For Immediate Release
Monday, September 30, 2019

State Board invites community input on state’s budget for public education

​Greater number of hearings adds additional voices to the budgetary process

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) today announced four hearings across the state to gather community input on the state’s budget for public education. ISBE increased the number of hearings over last year in order to include additional voices in the school funding conversation.

"Illinois has made historic investments in Evidence-Based Funding and early childhood education that have transformed entire communities," said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carmen I. Ayala. “The voices of educators and community partners must be front and center as we advocate for the adequate and equitable resources our students need to continue to grow."

Feedback and funding requests received at the hearings and online will inform ISBE’s fiscal year 2021 public education budget recommendation that the agency will submit to Governor JB Pritzker and the General Assembly in January.

ISBE will host hearings:

Date​LocationTown​​​Time
10/16/19East St. Louis School District Administration Building​
1005 State Street, East St. Louis
East St. LouisImmediately following​
​ the ISBE Board meeti​​ng
10/23/19Bloomington High School
Senior Cafeteria
1202 E. Locust St., Bloomington
Bloomington3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
11/6/19Dr. Nick Osborne Primary Center
CORE Classroom
401 N. 30th Street., Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
11/21/19James R. Thompson Center
Room 16-503
100 W. Randolph St., Chicago
Chicago1 - 4 p.m.

ISBE Finance and Audit Committee Chair Jane Quinlan will facilitate the hearings.

"As a lifelong educator, I am honored to represent the State Board of Education at our budget hearings and to hear from Illinois communities about the impact of state funding," said Quinlan. "I believe putting forth a budget recommendation that supports equity and excellence is one of the State Board’s most important responsibilities. I appreciate everyone who attends and gives us their input to ensure our recommendation truly represents the needs of Illinois’ 852 school districts."

An online feedback form is available at www.isbe.net/budget. All individuals should submit their funding requests through this online form, including if they attend a hearing in person.

All of these meetings are accessible to persons with disabilities. Persons planning to attend who need special accommodations should contact the Superintendent’s office no later than one day prior to the meeting. Contact the Superintendent's office at the State Board of Education by phone at (217) 782-2221, TTY/TDD at (217) 782-1900, or fax at (217) 785-3972.

Share!