Fatheree, Doan Discuss Ed Funding Bill

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Published on June 16 2017 8:53 am
Last Updated on June 16 2017 10:01 am
Written by Greg Sapp

Two local educators visited our studios Thursday to discuss Senate Bill 1, a measure that addresses education funding in Illinois.

Teacher Joe Fatheree, a past Illinois Teacher of the Year, and Unit 40 Superintendent Mark Doan were on hand to discuss the bill that has already passed the Illinois House and Senate and awaits signing by the Governor.

The measure promises no district will lose money, with the starting point the amount of funding the district has this year. All new state funding going forward would be on top of what districts currently receive.

The new formula in Senate Bill 1 ties school funding to 27 evidence-based best practices that are shown to enhance student achievement in the classroom.

Local State Representative John Cavaletto voted against the measure, saying there are other plans that would mean more in funding for districts in his district. Supporters of Senate Bill 1, though, say their measure has support from throughout the state and across party lines.

Since our conversation with Fatheree and Doan, Governor Bruce Rauner has called for a special session of the General Assembly to discuss a state budget, of which school funding is a key component.

Here's Greg Sapp's conversation with Joe Fatheree and Mark Doan...