The compromise legislation to reform Illinois’ education funding system will make state spending more equitable across all school districts, according to Rep. John Cavaletto (R-Salem), who spent 38 years in education.
“No School district will receive less than they were allocated last year and this historic change, for me, was about the students and the parents,” Cavaletto posted on his website. “I promised all along that I would fight for whatever proposal brought the most money to my area without a bailout to Chicago Public Schools pensions.”
The legislation reduces the mandates on school districts, giving them more flexibility over physical education and driver’s education requirements. The law also creates a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Reform Task Force to study how TIF districts affect school funding and how TIF funds are spent. The task force will submit its findings by April 1, 2018.
Rep. John Cavaletto (R-Salem)
“This legislation is not perfect, but it is a step in the right direct for fairness in funding for all 842 school districts and it keeps the schools open for our children to get the education they need to be successful in their lives,” Cavaletto posted.
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