Now can we talk about state school funding? Judicial challenges to equity and adequacy and the evidence based model. – Fred Klonsky

Now can we talk about state school funding? Judicial challenges to equity and adequacy and the evidence based model. – Fred Klonsky

NOW CAN WE TALK ABOUT STATE SCHOOL FUNDING? JUDICIAL CHALLENGES TO EQUITY AND ADEQUACY AND THE EVIDENCE BASED MODEL

The Illinois Constitution seems pretty clear about the role of the state in funding local schools.

In the current version adopted in 1970, the education clause (Article X, Section 1) of the Illinois Constitution states:

A fundamental goal of the People of the State is the educational development of all persons to the limits of their capacities.

The State shall provide an efficient system of high quality public educational institutions and services. Education in public schools through the secondary level shall be free. There may be such other free education as the General Assembly provides by law.

The State has the primary responsibility for financing the system of public education (Article X, Section 1).

But oddly, the courts, including the Illinois Supreme Court, have ruled that Article X, Section 1 means just the opposite of what you may think it actually says.

In Blase v Illinois, a 1973 case heard by the Illinois Supreme Court, the plaintiffs claimed CONTINUE READING: Now can we talk about state school funding? Judicial challenges to equity and adequacy and the evidence based model. – Fred Klonsky