Evidence-Based Funding Fails Schools, Leaving $5.6 Billion Short

In a recent letter, Jim Yaworski from Crystal Lake criticized the evidence-based funding plan, initiated in 2018, for failing to adequately support the poorest school districts in Illinois. According to Yaworski, the plan aimed to ensure full funding for all school districts by 2027 but has instead resulted in a decrease in the number of Tier 1 districts, dropping from 313 to 286 over eight years.

The evidence-based funding model was designed to allocate resources based on the specific needs of each district, particularly those in Tier 1 and Tier 2, which require significant financial support. Currently, these districts collectively need approximately $5.6 billion more to reach full funding status. Each year, the state allocates about $350 million in new funding, with Tier 1 and Tier 2 schools receiving 99% of this amount.

In Fiscal Year 2026, districts in McHenry County, categorized in Tier 1 and Tier 2, are projected to require around $118 million in new funding to be considered fully funded. Unfortunately, they are expected to receive only about $3.1 million this year. Yaworski highlights that this ongoing shortfall is exacerbated by the fact that the annual allocation of $350 million is not adjusted for inflation, causing districts to fall further behind.

Chicago Public Schools, one of the largest education systems in the state, is set to receive approximately $76 million, accounting for about 25% of the total new funding available. In contrast, Woodstock District 200 has faced significant losses, dropping from Tier 1 to Tier 2 status, which will result in a drastic reduction in funding from $2.5 million in Fiscal Year 2025 to only about $500,000 in Fiscal Year 2026.

The State Board of Education is responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of this funding model, but questions remain about its implementation and the accountability of the legislators behind the plan. Yaworski’s assessment of the funding initiative is clear: it receives a grade of D for its failure to meet the needs of vulnerable school districts.

As this situation continues to unfold, educators and advocates are calling for a reevaluation of the funding structure to better serve the students who depend on these resources. The urgency of this issue highlights the need for more effective planning and increased financial support to ensure that all districts receive the funding necessary to provide quality education for every student.