The Illinois Senate has approved a second method for revamping school funding just days before the Legislature's scheduled adjournment. The proposal by Democratic Sen. Kimberly Lightford of Maywood would rewrite the state-aid formula beginning with the 2017-2018 school year with an interim funding and fairness boost for his fall. The interim plan would establish a funding "foundation" for each district.
A so-called "evidence-based" formula with money targeted at challenges such as poverty would start in fall 2017. No district would receive less state money going forward.
Lightford says the House has a choice of Sen. Andy Manar'splan that the Senate OK'd this month, an existing House evidence-based framework, or her hybrid version.
