Despite possible lean budget, Illinois education officials seek more tax dollars – Center Square

The Illinois State Board of Education is aiming high in its request for more taxpayer funding in the next fiscal year. The board is proposing a $653 million increase over the current level of spending for pre-K-12 schools, bringing the overall budget request for the next school year to $11 billion. The proposal includes a $350 million increase in Evidence-Based Funding. EBF is designed to send more resources to Illinois’ most under-resourced students. State Superintendent of Schools Tony Sanders’ proposal also seeks an additional $75 million increase for the state’s early childhood block grant.