Eye on Education: ISBE launches stakeholder-driven process to shape FY 2026 public education budget

The Eye on Education section of the newsletter highlights an education-oriented article or topic. The goal is to provide an outside perspective and more information to continue to educate parents/guardians, students, staff members and community members to improve the educational learning environment of District 88.

This week’s article is from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and requests input regarding state funding for public education for fiscal year 2026. According to the article, “Members of the public can submit funding requests in writing on the ISBE Agency Budget Information webpage (at https://tinyurl.com/4h8s2cvy). 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.”

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 Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and the General Assembly in January.  

Individuals who have submitted written testimony also may speak at one of three budget hearings:

• 4 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 8: This will be an in-person hearing (in the Board Room at 100 N. First St. in Springfield).
  
  
• 4 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 10: This will be a virtual hearing.
  
  
• 1 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 28: This will be a virtual hearing.

For more information, go to https://tinyurl.com/muxzvkdr.