State Capitol – 17 Southern Illinois school districts announced they are suing the State, Governor and the Illinois State Board of Education, ISBE, to hold them accountable to adequately fund a “high quality education” for all students.

They note the state has consistently paid the districts less than the “foundation level” and the state has still failed to repay millions of dollars in “categorical grants” that compensate districts for various expenditures, like school bus transportation costs.

One district Supervisor, noted they recently had to cut millions of dollars from their budget, including the laying off of 10 teachers.