Statewide data shows Illinois public school districts are continuing to struggle financially. The Illinois Board of Education finds 532 districts (62 percent) using their reserves or borrowing. That's compared to 32.5 percent in 2008. The average score of district finances, based upon FY 2013 data, dropped below the highest financial ranking for the first time in five years.
ISBE’s 2014 Financial Profiles of the state’s public schools shows that one third of all Illinois public school students are in schools that rank in the lowest two financial categories. The Board is seeking an additional $1.08 billion from lawmakers for schools.