Schools benefiting from commitment to funding

As we begin the 2019-20 school year in U-46, we'd like to give thanks to the Illinois General Assembly and all those who worked to successfully fix the state education funding formula. Under Evidence-Based Funding, the state now directs more funds to students in previously under-resourced districts, including School District U-46. The legislation, signed into law in 2017, reflects a growing understanding about the connection between equity, adequacy and student outcomes.

While we are still far from what the state recognizes as our district's adequacy level (U-46 is considered to be funded at 59 percent adequacy), we have already been able to provide significant support to our more than 38,000 students through this new revenue.

We have lowered class sizes for kindergarten through second-grade students. We have added more instructional coaches, giving teachers the ongoing guidance needed to improve their professional practice in order to reach all learners. Last year we were able to restore guidance counselors to each of our middle schools, and this year we were able to add assistant principals to 10 of our larger elementary schools.

We rolled out our 1:1 technology program last year with Chromebooks for all high school students. This year, we've expanded that program to fifth- through twelfth-graders, distributing a total of 26,000 Chromebooks since last year.

Finally, we've been able to make some long-needed upgrades to our more than 55 school buildings and facilities with new high school libraries, some much-needed paint, as well as less visible changes that impact heating and cooling, building structures and general maintenance. We have also been able to abate property tax levies to help our residents.

The commitment to funding public education in a fair and equitable manner is already benefiting students in need. The continued focus will benefit the state of Illinois for generations to come.

Tony Sanders

Chief Executive Officer

School District U-46