More than a dozen superintendents representing school districts in Peoria County are calling on legislators and the governor to pass an education budget.
The Peoria County Regional Superintendent Beth Crider Derry submitted a joint letter Mon. addressed to Gov. Rauner, the legislative leaders and lawmakers.
The Republican Governor and Democratic led lawmakers are at odds over an education funding formula as well as the Governor’s pro-business agenda. Democrats argue the current formula based on property values is inequitable. But the superintendents say without a budget for the upcoming year, there is too much uncertainty.
Crider Derry and 15 school superintendents signed off on the letter, saying without a spending plan, school some districts question how long they will be able to keep their doors open when school starts in August.
The Peoria County Regional Office will also cease a number of programs as of July first without a state budget. The programs are funded with federal grant money that flows through the state. But that money cannot be spent without the state allocation. The programs that will cease July 1 in Peoria County include Truancy and Homeless Services and the Jail Education program.