Governor Bruce Rauner says the welfare of youth will be the cornerstone of a new state collaboration.
He signed an executive order creating the "Children's Cabinet" today at a school in Riverton, which is just outside of Springfield.
Riverton Superintendent Lance Thurman says the district takes a holistic approach to education. It has partnerships with a daycare, and offers lunch to needy kids in the summer when school's out.
Thurman says it's encouraging to see the state embrace that mindset.
"We are well aware that educating our students cannot be separated from caring for their non-academic needs. Our teachers, bus drivers, all of our staff and our administration are not only educators, but at times they're mentors, role models, mediators, nurses, mandated reporters and even occasionally surrogate parents."
The Children's Cabinet is expected to set, and track, goals for getting at least 90 percent of Illinois students to measure as learning at their grade level.
The governor, his budget chief, and directors of various major state agencies will make up the Cabinet. They'll meet at least four times a year, and must give lawmakers an annual report.
