By Adam Studzinski
BLOOMINGTON – State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington), a longtime advocate for changing Illinois’ school funding formula, is against a Democratic proposal to do just that.
Barickman claimed State Sen. Andy Manar’s (D-Bunker Hill) legislation would move money from downstate and suburban schools to Chicago Public Schools.
“We all know the financial condition of the City of Chicago and Chicago Public Schools. They’re looking for a bailout,” said Barickman. “Yesterday’s (Wednesday) proposal was that.”
Barickman told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin there is no doubt the current system is broken, but Manar’s proposal is not the right answer.
“What we shouldn’t do is hold our students hostage while we’re going through that process. And we shouldn’t just bailout the City of Chicago and call it being over,” Barickman said.
Data from the Illinois State Board of Education showed downstate schools would lose $120 million a year under Manar’s plan. Locally, District 87 would lose $2.7 million; Unit 5 would lose $9.8 million.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at adam.studzinski@cumulus.com.
