WEST40 ADVOCATES FOR SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS STATE-WIDE DURING VISIT TO SPRINGFIELD

Advocacy and teamwork! Together we can make a difference in the lives of Illinois students and educators.

West40 made sure your voices were heard at the Illinois State Capitol Building on March 8 during Advocacy Day. Team members split into multiple groups to meet with state lawmakers and provide them important information about education bills and grant requests that directly impact your schools.

Among the topics discussed, a request for a $20 million increase in regional safe school grants, funding Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) at $550 million this budget cycle and every year thereafter to allow every school district to be adequately funded by 2031, a bill that corrects an issue regarding IMRF Sick Days and eliminates the prohibition on regional superintendents from having any other form of employment, and a bill that removes barriers to allow ROEs and ISCs to assist low-performing school districts in a timely manner.

“Advocating for West40’s partner districts and students means we are also supporting schools and children across the entire state,” said West40 Executive Director Dr. Mark Klaisner. “By building strong relationships with our lawmakers and asking for their support we can help all kids thrive.”