•January 20, 2016•

Sullivan schools faces funding challenges since the state has failed to meet obligations to local districts, but there is a glimmer of hope that may change.

District #300 superintendent Brad Tuttle told school board members  during the regular January 11 meeting that there is a call for fully funding school districts for the first time in five years.

Tuttle explained that the Illinois State Board of Education passed a state budget that called for increased General State Aid (GSA).

State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tony Smith pointed out since 2010, Illinois schools have lost $3.8 billion. The new state aid budget calls for full funding of GSA plus $2.548 billion for 2017.

Supt. Tuttle cautioned board members that full funding requests have been endorsed by the ISBE in the past and ignored by the legislature.

“Since Dr. Smith was appointed by Gov. Rauner, I have to believe there is hope for fully funding schools this time,” Tuttle said, noting the funding request could mean an additional $321,096 in state aid for Sullivan schools.

One factor improving the formula to $299 per student for Sullivan schools is the 42.7% low income level enrollment.     Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.