By Adam Studzinski

NORMAL – Gov. Bruce Rauner wants to put more money into education.

That was his message to students Thursday afternoon at Normal West High School.

Rauner said he agrees with those who say the school funding formula needs to be changed. However, he’s not sure State Sen. Andy Manar’s (D-Decatur) funding reform bill is the right answer. That bill passed the Illinois Senate this week.

“I’ve seen the numbers. Normal West High School would have their state funding cut materially if that plan would come to pass. That’s not fair. It’s not right,” said Rauner. “Normal high schools shouldn’t be cut while the City of Chicago gets significantly more money. That’s wrong.”

Unit 5 Superintendent Mark Daniel said the district would lose $8.2 million if the proposed legislation is passed.

“What we shouldn’t do is rush to put in a bad formula that cuts most districts and really does a bailout for the City of Chicago. That would be worse than the current, ineffective formula,” said Rauner. “I don’t want to go from the frying pan to the fire.”

Rauner added if they need to stick with the current funding structure for another year then it would be better than forcing in a rushed plan.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].