Editorial: Suburban lawmakers must unite to ensure a voice in school funding reform
We've heard lots of talk this election season from suburban legislative candidates decrying the hyperpartisan atmosphere in Springfield.
Incumbents and challengers, Republicans and Democrats, all say they can work across the aisle for the betterment of their districts.
One issue that provides a clear test of that resolve is Senate Bill 16, which dramatically changes the state school funding formula to the detriment of the suburbs. Indeed, in its present form, the legislation sets up an almost unavoidable battle for funding. It pits regions against each other rather than working toward an approach that recognizes different financial circumstances throughout the state yet still ensures a strong basic level of education funding for every Illinois student.
Under the current plan, in the Northwest suburbs alone, 12 school districts stand to lose nearly $71 million under the provisions of Senate Bill 16.
No wonder superintendents throughout the suburbs are writing letters to parents urging them to get involved and contact their legislators to oppose the legislation.
"Everything we have worked so hard to achieve in District 200 is at risk if Senate Bill 16 passes the House," said Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 Superintendent Jeff Schuler in a column for the Daily Herald.
"The financial impact on our school district is significant.
The district's budget will be reduced by $10.1 million over four years.
This is a loss of 41 percent in state revenue.
A $10.1 million revenue reduction would equal a loss of approximately 135 teachers," said an email to Indian Prairie Unit District 204 parents in Naperville-Aurora.
We agree with legislators like Sen. Christine Radogno, a Lemont Republican and minority leader, who told the Daily Herald editorial board this week that the funding formula needs to be changed but in a much fairer way across the board and through a process that gets input from all areas of the state.
That message apparently has gotten through to the main House sponsor of the bill, Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia, an Aurora Democrat.
As Daily Herald political editor Mike Riopell reported Thursday, Chapa LaVia now vows that legislation would not pass in its current form and not before hearings are held and the new Legislature is sworn in.
Suburban legislators from both parties need to hold her to that timing promise. Then they must all get involved and get to work to pass school funding reform that is beneficial to all.