LM Feb 2024

Vision 2030 is our opportunity to help shape the story of public education by creating a unified roadmap that will help guide the Illinois General Assembly

Finance & Funding The subcommittee delved deeper into the priorities it identified in October with a conversation centered around maintaining and continuing to fund the the Evidence Based Funding Formula, enacting pension reforms that strengthen public education, establishing statewide funding sources for capital and safety needs and enhancing the recruitment and retention of quality school personnel. The subcommittee discussed the need for a deep analysis on the over-correction to Tier 2 and how it’s critical for school administrators to actively engage with legislators on how the problem is impacting their districts. In addition, the subcommittee discussed financial flexibility to transfer funds, borrow money and raise tort fund levels. “Preserving the educational equity guaranteed by the Evidence-Based Funding formula is critical. As we navigate potential revisions, it is crucial to advocate for full funding before considering any changes,” said Dan Cox, superintendent of Rochester CUSD #3A and Co-Chair of the Finance & Funding Committee. “Supporting legislation into making decisions that are in the best interest of our students and schools.

to place the Professional Review Panel at the forefront ensures a comprehensive analysis, safeguarding the integrity of EBF from arbitrary alterations by the legislature.” Next Steps The Vision 2030 Workgroup is scheduled to meet in Bloomington on May 1. In advance of the meeting, each subcommittee will meet virtually to fine tune tactics and priorities. Following the meeting in May, a policy brief will be submitted to the IASA Board of Directors for final approval, with a marketing push to follow in November. “In school communications, every superintendent understands that if you are not telling your story, someone else will,” said Dr. Brent Clark, IASA Executive Director. “Vision 2030 is our opportunity to help shape the story of public education by creating a unified roadmap that will help guide the Illinois General Assembly into making decisions that are in the best interest of our students and schools.”

Visit IllinoisVision2030.com.

13 LM February 2024