Panel to discuss proposed legislation on school funding

A panel of Republican state lawmakers and suburban school superintendents Tuesday will discuss proposed legislation they say could result in significant funding cuts to suburban schools and higher property taxes.

The forum is 6 to 8 p.m. at the St. Charles North High School auditorium, 255 Red Gate Road.

State Sen. Karen McConnaughay of St. Charles, and state Reps. Mike Fortner of West Chicago, Mike Tryon of Crystal Lake, Tim Schmitz of Batavia and Bob Pritchard of Hinckley, and local superintendents will talk about the impact Senate Bill 16, which aims to rewrite Illinois' school-aid funding formula, would have on suburban schools and property taxpayers.

Changes proposed in SB16 would distribute money based much more heavily on a school district's local wealth or poverty, with poorer districts receiving more. Proposed adjustments also would give districts different amounts of funding based on how many students they have in categories such as low-income, special education, gifted or English language learners.

A McHenry County forum will be held 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at McHenry West High School, 4724 W. Crystal Lake Road.

Attendees at each forum will be allowed to submit questions or concerns to panel participants.

For more information, call McConnaughay's office at (847) 214-8245 or visit senatormcconnaughay.com. To contact Tryon's office, call (815) 459-6453 or visit miketryon.org.