Thanks to State Senator Mike Halpin’s years-long advocacy for evidence based funding for K-12 schools, Illinois will be awarding an additional $11 million to Western Illinois schools.
“Evidence based funding is one of the true bright spots we have accomplished here in Illinois,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Our schools are the key to a healthy community and a bright future. We are making sure our state dollars are put to work aiding the schools that need it most.”
Passed in 2017, Halpin has remained a staunch advocate for evidence based funding as a way to create a targeted and equitable funding model to support K-12 education. The law makes funding more equitable by providing state revenue based on individual school district need. Several factors are considered, key elements include poverty rate, enrollment, special education and English language learners among others.
These local area school districts will receive evidence based funding this coming fiscal year: Hancock/Fulton/Schuyler/ McDonough Regional Office Of Education – Regional Safe School Program: $9,196 Hancock/Fulton/Schuyler/ McDonough Regional Office Of Education – Alternative Learning Opportunities Programs: $482,581 Bushnell Prairie City Community Unit School District 170: $23,773 Macomb Community Unit School District 185: $745,579 For more information and a complete list on the FY 26 evidence-based funding distribution, visit the Illinois State Board of Education’s website.
