Skip to content
Content
{{CurrentPage.Topics.DisplayName}} {{CurrentPage.Subtopic_x0020_Level_x0020_1}}

{{CurrentPage.Title}}

Illinois PreK-12 Education Budget

ISBE has a responsibility to advocate for what all of Illinois’ children deserve. The State Board makes budget recommendations to the General Assembly annually each January. The state constitution mandates that the “primary responsibility for financing the system of public education” belongs solely to the state.
​

FY 2027
Public Hearing Date Number of Speakers Speaker Capacity Speaker Capacity Status
{{item.HearingDate}} {{item.CntSpeakers}} 50 Open Closed

The Illinois State Board of Education invites educators, parents, students, and community organizations to share input on the state's Fiscal Year 2027 public education budget. Your feedback helps guide ISBE’s advocacy for equitable funding for all Illinois students.

How to Participate

Step 1: Submit Written Testimony

Submit your request using the online form.

  • All participants must submit written testimony.
  • You are not required to speak at a hearing—ISBE gives equal consideration to both written and spoken testimony.

Step 2: Sign Up to Speak (Optional)

If you would also like to speak at a budget hearing (in-person or virtual), you must complete the written testimony form first. You’ll receive a reference number to use when signing up to speak.

In-Person Hearing – Springfield

  • Location: 100 North First Street, Springfield, IL 62777
  • Date: Tuesday, September 30
  • Time: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
  • Deadline: Submit written testimony by 11:59 p.m. on September 26

Note: Those who submit after the deadline are not guaranteed a speaking slot and may only be able to speak at the end of the hearing if time allows.

Virtual Hearing #1

Virtual Hearing #2

Step 3: Attend the Hearing

After registering, ISBE will email you a 30-minute window in which you may be called to speak.

  • Please keep your oral testimony under three minutes.
  • Only one person per organization may speak.

Listening Only?

Budget hearings are open to the public. You may attend without submitting testimony or speaking.

  • Attend in person in Springfield on September 30, or
  • Register for one of the virtual hearings listed above to listen in.

For full instructions, view the detailed instruction guide called FY27 Budget Hearing Instructions.

Accessibility

All hearings are accessible to individuals with disabilities and to those who speak languages other than English.

To request real-time captioning, American Sign Language, or language interpretation, please contact:

Carolina Fabian
Language Access Coordinator
Email: cfabian@isbe.net
Phone: 312-814-8884

Requests should be made at least two weeks before your scheduled hearing.

FY 2026

The Illinois State Board of Education hosted three public hearings to gather input from across the state on the budget for public education in fiscal year 2026. ISBE heard from educators, parents, students, community organizations, and other leaders via budget request forms that were submitted and in-person and virtual testimony. Several related documents are available below.

FY 2025

The Illinois State Board of Education recently hosted three public hearings to gather input from across the state on the budget for public education in fiscal year 2025. ISBE heard from educators, parents, students, community organizations, and other leaders via budget request forms that were submitted and in-person and virtual testimony. Several related documents are available below.

FY 2024

​The Illinois State Board of Education hosted three hearings to gather input on the state budget for public education in fiscal year 2024. Each year, ISBE welcomes educators, parents, students, and community organizations to submit testimony that informs our advocacy for equitable funding for all Illinois students.​

FY 2023

FY 2022

FY 2021

ISBE hosted four hearings to gather input in person: 

  • ​Oct. 16, 2019, immediately following the board meeting, at approximately noon, in the East St. Louis School District Administration Building​ at 1005 State St., East St. Louis
  • Oct. 23, 2019, 3:30-5:3​0 p.m., in the Senior Cafeteria of Bloomington High School at 1202 E. Locust St., Bloomington
  • Nov. 6, 2019, 3:30-5:30 p.m., in the CORE Classroom of Dr. Nick Osborne Primary Center at 401 N. 30th St., Mt. Vernon
  • Nov. 21, 2019, 1-4 p.m., in Room 16-503 of the James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph St., Chicago
View the event flyerPDF Document. ​​​​​​

FY 2020

Funding a Civil Right: Quality Education for All

* * * This page has been archived. The content on this page may no longer be in effect. * * *

Contact Information