Board sets map for 35 regional education offices

The Illinois State Board of Education has redrawn the map of regional education offices to meet a deadline set by the legislature.

The board voted Friday after hearing from regional superintendents who objected to the way the map would consolidate their offices.

A new state law required the board to cut the number of regions from 44 to 35. New regional superintendents will be elected next year to lead the new offices.

Sangamon County regional superintendent Jeff Vose was among the school leaders who spoke Friday.

Vose said he supported adding Menard County to Sangamon’s office, but he said it would be burdensome to add three more counties. The board later slightly changed the plan it was considering and merged Scott, Cass and Morgan counties with counties to the west.