ISBE Head Says IL Schools Need Double The Money

By Meha Ahmad
Dr. Tony Smith, ISBE Superintendent
Dr. Tony Smith, ISBE Superintendent, seen here at WBEZ studios in 2018. Jason Marck/WBEZ
Dr. Tony Smith, ISBE Superintendent
Dr. Tony Smith, ISBE Superintendent, seen here at WBEZ studios in 2018. Jason Marck/WBEZ

ISBE Head Says IL Schools Need Double The Money

By Meha Ahmad
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Last week, the Illinois State Board of Education shocked lawmakers when they handed in their proposal for the state education budget: a whopping $15.7 billion. That’s nearly double the current budget of $8.2 billion.

But the ISBE says that the figure was determined by the state’s new funding formula and accounting for longtime inequity in Illinois education funding. 

While the board stands firm that funds are needed to adequately provide for every student in the state, lawmakers are balking at the sum, calling it “unrealistic.” Morning Shift host Tony Sarabia looks into varying expectations for the budget.

GUEST:

Tony Smith, Ph.D, Illinois State Board of Education Superintendent

Dr. Tony Smith was appointed by the State Board of Education effective May 1, 2015.