The superintendent of Illinois schools says the state should re-do how it funds school districts.
Critics of the plan have said a new formula would create so-called “winner” and “loser” districts -- meaning schools may lose or gain state money based on the income of the area.
Superintendent Tony Smith addressed that criticism, saying “some of it is guided by this question of deserving-ness.”
“Like how much we think certain kids or certain communities deserve our help,” Smith said. “I think we are all in this together, and for the long-term best interest of Illinois, we need to redesign the funding system entirely I think to support the public system.”
Gov. Bruce Rauner wrote in a Chicago Tribune opinion piece that he wants to create a commission to establish a new formula for how Illinois funds schools.