Illinois Schools Make Contingency Plans in Case of No State Payments

Illinois Schools Make Contingency Plans in Case of No State Payments

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Illinois schools normally get money from the state on August 10. But that’s in question this year, as Democratic lawmakers continue to wrangle with the Republican governor over a new school funding formula.

Meanwhile, schools like those in Millburn District 24 in Lake County are coming up with contingency plans.

“Many schools districts will be able to draw upon their reserves, (but) in Millburn’s case, we don’t have any reserves,” said Superintendent Jason Lind.

The tiny district, which has two schools and 1,200 students, is tapped out because it’s paying off school construction debt.

“We have a very small tax base in Millburn relative to the number of students that we serve, and so we are always on the precipice,” said Lind.

He said school will open as planned on August 24, and the district will be able to make it to March with local property tax dollars.

But if the school funding standoff drags on, Millburn may need to ask a neighboring district for a loan, Lind said.