Lawmakers see positive signs in latest school funding reform panel

Shortly after the latest school funding reform panel was named in July, state Sen. Andy Manar made a prediction.

The Bunker Hill Democrat, who is one of the appointees to the education funding reform commission, said it would become evident early on if the commission had a chance to succeed when untold other efforts have failed.

Although it is still early in the process, Manar said there are positive signs so far. The group meets about every other week, he said, and has heard from outside witnesses who have provided background on Illinois' school funding system and its shortcomings.

“My compliments to Secretary Purvis for keeping up on an aggressive schedule,” Manar said of the commission’s chair, Education Secretary Beth Purvis. “Much of what we’ve done we’ve hashed out many times over in the Senate. I don’t say that’s a bad thing. There’s legislators who want that background so when the heavier part of the conversation comes, which it will, they have that background knowledge to make informed recommendations.”

Read more: http://www.sj-r.com/news/20160917/lawmakers-see-positive-signs-in-latest-school-funding-reform-panel