By Illinois Public Radio
Springfield, Ill. – Illinois lawmakers say the state needs direction on how much money to give poor school districts.
A special panel that determines what's known as the "foundation level" for schools serves at the governor's request. But the panel, known as EFAB, has failed to meet for several months. That means an updated figure is unavailable.
"We have to have those numbers, sooner rather than later," says Sean Noble, with the group Voices for Illinois Children. "So, we respectfully call upon the Governor's office to do what the law requires. Right now, we're not on track for that."
The foundation level is the base amount schools are estimated to need to provide a quality education. The money put toward that need remains well below the last recommendation.