School board members in rural Illinois said district consolidation will ease staff shortages made worse by the pandemic. A statewide look at district consolidation could cut administrative overhead and put $732 million more into classrooms.
Less Illinois school bureaucracy would help students achieve
Half of Illinois’ school districts serve one to two schools. Consolidating school districts, but leaving schools alone, would decrease administrative costs and yield more money for classrooms to boost student achievement.
Classrooms First Act could put millions into Illinois schools
A bill to cut Illinois’ redundant school district bureaucracy could offer over $300 per student for classroom instruction. No schools would close as Illinois strived to cut administration costs that are double the U.S. average.
Property taxes turning American dreams into Illinois nightmares
Visions of the community’s future no longer bring comfort. Instead, they inspire crippling fear.
Illinois K-12 school districts losing students, gaining administrators
Despite shrinking populations of students and teachers, Illinois school districts have continued to grow their administrative bodies.
Cost of Illinois’ education bureaucracy crowds out classroom spending
More than 9,000 Illinois school district administrators earn more than $100,000 a year. Each of them will collect at least $3 million in pension benefits during retirement.
Nearly 40% of education spending consumed by pension costs
Growing pension costs for retired educators are quickly crowding the classroom out of Illinois budgets.
Illinois’ wealthiest bureaucrats want this bill dead
There should be no compromise with those who are looking out for their own bottom line above the good of the state.
More than 130 six-figure school district administrators oppose education efficiency bill
An Illinois House bill that would allow more education funding dollars reach the classroom before getting trapped in administration has earned support from both parties – and the opposition of administrators.
5 things you should know about putting students ahead of administration
The Illinois House of Representatives passed the Classrooms First Act by a unanimous vote March 28. If it becomes law, students, teachers and taxpayers will benefit.