Illinois lawmakers have finally approved a plan to overhaul the state’s antiquated school funding model.
But the age-old conflict between Chicago Public Schools and those in the rest of the state remains as the legislation awaits a trip to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s desk. At issue is money the state would continue sending to the nation’s third-largest school system while taxpayers also begin picking up portions of the district’s teacher-pension costs.
The proposal would direct new funds to districts based on need. No district would receive less than it currently does.
Democrats maintain this includes allowing CPS to continue receiving funds it currently gets from special grants. They also say treating CPS equitably means helping with its teacher-pension costs. Illinois pays those costs for other districts.
