State Superintendent of Education Tony Sanders, left, and Illinois State Board of Education Chair Stephen Isoye speak at ISBE board meeting (Capitol News Illinois photo by Peter Hancock)
October 16, 2024 – The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is now accepting input on state funding for public education for fiscal year 2026.
Members of the public can submit funding requests in writing on the ISBE Agency Budget Information webpage. Past requests have led to increased investments in Evidence-Based Funding, early childhood education, Career and Technical Education programs, and more. ISBE is calling on Illinois’ school leaders, teachers, parents, and community advocates to make budget proposals that will have the greatest impact on their students.
“Public advocacy is crucial in shaping the education experiences for all students,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. “The fiscal year 2025 budget reflects a significant investment in Illinois’ public schools. We invite educators, parents, and community members to continue this vital practice for the FY 2026 budget. We look forward to once again building a stakeholder-informed budget to advance educational equity.”
“The Board carefully reviews and considers each funding request with a focus on enhancing educational opportunities for all students,” said ISBE Board Chair Dr. Steven Isoye. “We deeply value the insights provided by community voices, which help us create a safe, engaging, and equitable learning environment. We commend the ongoing collaboration with the Governor’s Office and lawmakers for their continued partnership and support for Illinois’ schools and appreciate the public’s role in the budget proposal process.”
The input ISBE receives will inform the Board’s budget proposal for equitable funding for all students in FY 2026. ISBE will submit its recommendation for state education funding to Governor JB Pritzker and the General Assembly in January.
