Harris060517SPRINGFIELD – High-poverty suburban school districts, shortchanged for decades under Illinois’ worst-in-the-nation education funding formula, could see a significant influx of funding to level the playing field with wealthier suburban districts under a landmark school funding reform measure that recently passed in both houses of the legislature.

“I eagerly joined my colleagues in support of a plan that fixes the inequitable way we fund public schools in. It also makes sure no schools see any loss of funding and offers property tax relief to struggling homeowners. There is no reason Governor Rauner should not sign this legislation as soon as it gets to his desk,” Illinois said State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey).

Senate Bill 1 has strong support from thousands of school administrators, superintendents, principals, educators, taxpayers and advocates for fair school funding. Illinois’ school funding formula has not been updated in more than 20 years and is considered one of the worst in the nation because it relies so heavily on local property wealth.

Funding Illinois’ Future – a coalition that advocates for school funding reform – released estimates based on an analysis of Illinois State Board of Education figures. The analysis shows potential funding increases for local school districts under Senate Bill 1, an evidence-based model that accounts for factors such as students with disabilities, English language learners and low-income students.

It also provides extra support for the neediest districts in the quest for adequate funding, and it offers property tax relief.

No school district would receive less funding under Senate Bill 1 than they have received under Illinois’ current school funding formula.

The estimated overall gain some area school districts would experience under the Funding Illinois’ Future analysis of SB1 based on FY17 funding levels:

  • Bremen Community High School District 228 - $2.9 million
  • Brookwood School District 167 - $449,799
  • Crete Monee Community Unit School District 201U – $447,217
  • Dolton School District 148 – $512,762
  • Harvey School District 152 - $626,447
  • Hazel Crest School District 152-5 - $381,697
  • Homewood School District 153 – $152,265
  • Midlothian School District 153 - $937,556
  • Posen-Robbins Elementary School District 143-5 - $865,816
  • South Holland School District 151 - $365,484
  • Steger School District 194 – $638,686
  • Thornton Township High School District 205 - $1.7 million
  • West Harvey-Dixmoor Public School District 147 - $558,879

In addition, under Senate Bill 1, high-tax school districts are eligible for property tax relief up to 1 percent of their EAV. Estimated property tax relief for two area school districts:

  • Bremen Community High School District 228 - $3.9 million
  • Brookwood School District 167 - $1 million
  • Crete Monee Community Unit School District 201U - $3 million
  • Dolton School District 14 - $1.1 million
  • Ford Heights School District 169 – $228,369
  • Hazel Crest School District 152-5 – $681,918
  • Homewood School District 153 - $2 million
  • South Holland School District 150 - $224,619
  • South Holland School District 151 - $1.4 million
  • Steger School District 194 - $224,619
  • Thornton Township High School District 205 - $3.8 million
  • West Harvey-Dixmoor Public School District 147 - $488,309

To review the Funding Illinois’ Future analysis, visit fundingilfuture.org.