The Illinois School Funding Reform Commission met for the seventh time this week, this time to address special populations, including special and early childhood education.
On November 2, members of the commission, which includes four Senate Republican representatives, heard testimony on school district spending towards special education services and input on how the current education formula impacts special education funding.
Other points addressed included the disproportionate funds awarded to Chicago Public Schools (CPS) for special education services, which more than triples the statewide average. At the same time, CPS is also raking in approximately 37 percent of the funding awarded by the Early Childhood Block Grant.
The Commission meeting concluded before being able to discuss bilingual education, but is expected to take up the topic at the next meeting.