Let's extend benefits of new school formula

Last year's fix to the Illinois school funding formula was a turning point for education in our state. New dollars for schools are now being distributed equitably, and we have been able to do more for our kids. We are grateful to our legislators for their vote in supporting students in Aurora and across our state.

Because of the new formula, we are no longer in financial survival mode. We have begun to further invest in curriculum and instruction, including hiring more teachers for early childhood and middle school. For example, our sixth graders will now have a double math period for algebra so that they won't start behind in high school. That makes an impact on their future readiness for college and career.

This budget cycle will be the first time in 12 years that we won't have to take out $10 million to 15 million in tax anticipated warrants to keep from depleting our fund balances. This is the first time in four years we haven't asked our departments and divisions to cut budgets, cut programs and put student initiatives on hold due to low funding. This is the first time we will be able to say yes to what is best for our students and to programs that will benefit them.

While we've made progress, District 129 still is funded at only 57 percent of what it takes to provide a quality education. The Illinois budget needs an additional $400 million to be allocated to K-12 education this year to stay on track. We urge our legislators to make investing in education the new normal in Springfield.

What we need legislators to understand is that this investment is not only critical to our state but is also critical for the future of our country and is something that we need in order to continue to elevate the level of investment in our present and in our future.

Jeff Craig, Superintendent

West Aurora School District 129