State board of education seeks more money

The Illinois State Board of Education is asking for $265 million more in state funding next year.

The board approved its budget recommendation Thursday.

The $6.9 billion being sought for fiscal year 2013 is a 3.9 percent increase over the current budget.

Education officials stress that it’s still $426 million less than the funding received in 2009, the year with the highest level of school funding.

They say the increase is needed to cover costs associated with reform and growing numbers of low-income students.

The board’s recommendation is just that — a recommendation. Last year, the board got $6.7 billion after asking for $7.6 billion.

Education spokeswoman Mary Fergus says the board is “somewhat optimistic” about this year and has been in touch with the governor’s office and General Assembly.