LM Feb 2024

Message From the Executive Director Another $350M for Evidence-Based Funding is a Big Win for Public Schools

Dr. Brent Clark

When Gov. Pritzker delivers his Budget Address on Feb. 21, he is expected to propose a spending plan that will be among the tightest legislators have seen in the past six years. Due to pandemic federal aid drying up, pension costs escalating and budgetary pressures mounting, there is projected to be a budget deficit of nearly $900 million in FY 25, meaning there will be significantly less state money to go around. Despite all of that, all signs point to an additional $350 million once again being included for Evidence-Based Funding. We need to put that in the win column. The level of investment happening in public education the past eight years is not rivaled in other areas of state government. State funding for higher education, for example, is nearly $530 million less in FY 24 than it was in FY 2009. If the General Assembly approves the governor’s request— which we expect to happen—the state’s overall investment into EBF would climb to a staggering $2.4 billion since the passage of EBF in 2017. That’s a remarkable achievement. It’s important to maintain perspective on how fortunate public education is to have a proven model in place that directs money to the neediest schools as well as a governor, legislators and an Illinois State Board of Education who remain committed to funding it.

The model is working, and the integrity of the formula needs to be protected. Superintendents have been able to stabilize budgets, reduce class sizes, improve social-emotional supports, add nurses, expand extra-curricular opportunities and address local needs thanks to EBF. I recognize there have been calls to up the ante to $550 million and accelerate the timeline it takes to fully fund EBF. While I understand the intention, I can say with confidence $550 million is not realistic, given the forecasted budget restraints. Let’s not forget that $350 million, with $50 million of that total being earmarked for the Property Tax Relief Grant, is a substantial investment that should never be taken lightly. Another important point, echoed by State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders, is keeping schools off the state funding roller coaster, where there is a big boost one year followed by no additional funding the next. Stability and consistency is what helps school leaders plan for the future. To close, EBF has made a difference in schools across our state. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to share your story with local legislators. We need to keep building on the success of the past eight year by continuing to push schools closer to their adequacy targets at a steady and consistent rate.

3 LM February 2024