Experts to discuss development of fair state education funding system

Elgin Area School District U-46 students are among those who could benefit from an equitable state education funding system.

The efforts to develop a fair system will be discussed at the Citizens' Advisory Council meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, in room B100 at South Elgin High School, 760 E. Main St.

Guest speakers Benjamin Boer and Teresa Ramos from Advance Illinois will discuss the political landscape and legislative options available for more equitable state education funding.

Advance Illinois is a Chicago-based statewide organization which advocates for strong public education and funding for Illinois schools.

Boer, deputy director at Advance Illinois, has been in the organization since 2008. He serves in a leadership role in policy development and creating partnerships with participating organizations.

Ramos, director of community engagement, involves community members in policy and advocacy to strengthen the Illinois public school system.

The speakers will talk about why the state ranks among the lowest in the nation for funding equity and how it impacts the nearly 40,000 students in U-46.

Advance Illinois established a statewide coalition called Funding Illinois' Future that is leading more than 230 organizations in the effort to gain more equitable state funding. U-46 has been a member of Funding Illinois' Future since 2014.

To learn more about Advance Illinois, visit www.advanceillinois.org.