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“I have zero confidence that Springfield will get its act together”

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Illinois

* Superintendent Russell said this yesterday, so he was quite prescient…

Illinois lawmakers are still deciding on how to pay for the state’s public schools in September.

It’s a central part of an overall state budget, and last year, despite never passing a full budget, legislators did manage to release money to schools. It’s not clear if the same will happen this year, and that’s causing a lot of angst for many school superintendents.

“District improvement doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a great deal of planning where you’re going to allocate your resources and an investment in staff,” said Mary Havis, Superintendent of Berwyn South District 100. […]

“I have zero confidence that Springfield will get its act together,” said Kevin Russell, Superintendent of Chicago Ridge District 127.5. “I think the last couple of years have proved that. So we will be budgeting for the worst-case scenario.”

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, May 27, 16 @ 10:39 am

Comments

Into the maw with all of us.

Comment by Honeybear Friday, May 27, 16 @ 10:40 am
How can you argue with the guy.

Comment by Norseman Friday, May 27, 16 @ 10:43 am
Is superintendent Russell willing to have the residents of his local school district pick up the pension benefit costs for the staff that are teaching the kids in that district ? if not then he is part of the problem not the solution

Comment by t sowell Friday, May 27, 16 @ 10:46 am
I agree with the post title- however I don’t agree with the concept that the K12 schools should be exempt from the results of that failure. Until this hits everyone rather than the poor, the disadvantaged,the disabled, the state workers, their medical providers…. Then nothing will continue to get done.

When the middle class can’t send their kids to school or get their drivers’ license renewed, then maybe this will get settled.

Comment by Thoughts Matter Friday, May 27, 16 @ 10:48 am
Monmouth Roseville told parents and students they won’t open because it would be pointless and this is after a big property tax increase because of the threat of the TA. I would guess a lot of schools face the same issue.

Comment by illinois manufacturer Friday, May 27, 16 @ 10:50 am
The schools need not go without a State budget. Bruce Almighty does not have to veto the whole Madigan budget. The governo can simply reduce the spending to bring it into balance.

Comment by anon Friday, May 27, 16 @ 10:51 am
And funding for K-12 has been better than it has for any other agency including public universities (which I guess not a part of education anymore)

Comment by Federalist Friday, May 27, 16 @ 10:51 am
My wife student taught in Disctrict 127.5 about 18 years ago. She loved the kids and thought the teachers and principal at Finley Junior High were some of the best she ever worked with. Starting pay was $26,000 so she went elsewhere. They have a huge Catholic school 2 blocks away that actively fought any referendums for the district. The last time they passed one JFK was President. They’re very bare bone and dependant on state funding.

Comment by Cathartt Representative Friday, May 27, 16 @ 2:56 pm
Illinois is about to take it in the solar plexus. This one is going to knock the wind out of us.

Comment by Honeybear Friday, May 27, 16 @ 3:03 pm
These school closures brought to you by the Raunerites.

Malignant Callousness
Born of Privilege
Blind to consequence

Comment by Honeybear Friday, May 27, 16 @ 3:04 pm