Funding Fairness?

Senator Don Harmon of Oak Park has joined forces with downstate Senator Andy Manar to propose a sweeping change to the formula for the manner in which funds are provided to the schools in Illinois. At its core, the funding would help impoverished areas while reducing the funds that would go to wealthier areas.

For Harmon this means that the area he legislates would take a number of hits in a number of school districts while other districts would greatly benefit. For example, the Addison and Willowbrook schools would lose $3.5 million while Leyden would take a hit to the tune of $3 million. On the other hand, Elmwood Park is projected to gain an additional $2.5 million and the Maywood-Melrose Park-Broadview districts would add $4.7 million to their coffers.

The measure passed the Illinois Senate 31-21 but faces a likely uphill climb in the House.

Yes, some people will be mighty happy while others are sure to be hot under the collar. At some point the funding formula had to change because the property values, demographics, and economy have undergone a real metamorphosis over recent years. To ignore all of these changes is to sweep the problem under the rug.

Kudos to Harmon and Manar!!

Dick