Improving Education

Illinois must do more to create an equitable and effective education system which will prepare our children for adulthood and keep them off the streets.  I believe in the value of education, and recognize its importance if we are to remain competitive as a state, and as a country.

On average, states provide 51% of education funding.  Illinois, on the other hand, is ranked 50th in the amount of funding provided by the state, and contributes only 30% of education funding.  This is unacceptable.  Due to the lack of state support, education funding relies heavily on property taxes, and this has given Illinois one of the worst per-pupil spending gaps in the country between its wealthy and poor school districts. I would like to raise state funding to 40%, with an eye toward 50% over time as the state budget improves.  Furthermore, the foundation level of per pupil expenditures should be immediately raised by $1000, and it should increase every year relative to the employment cost index.  We cannot afford to be stingy in preparing the leaders of tomorrow.

We must also deal with our severe dropout problem, and the Illinois Hope and Opportunity Pathways through Education program needs to be fully funded so that more students are able to attend alternative schools rather than fall through the cracks.  Conventional education does not work for all students, and we must provide alternative opportunities so that they are still given the preparation they deserve, and discouraged from turning to crime.

Finally, it is time we acknowledge that health and nutrition affect learning.  The sugary foods that are presented as options in school breakfast and lunch programs are not only unhealthy, but they also actively disrupt the learning process.  We must also do more to enforce a daily physical education requirement.  By requiring that schools provide daily physical education and serve healthier food to students, we can not only teach good habits, but ensure that they have the nutrients necessary for learning throughout the day.