Dupage Policy Journal

Rep. David S. Olsen (R-Downers Grove) pushed aside some of the "peripheral" concerns about the state's new school funding formula after House approval on Aug. 28, focusing instead on what he described as the "core" of the bill: giving every Illinois schoolchild a chance to succeed.

“There are elements of this bill I do not like," Olsen said in a statement. "But there are other elements, like unfunded mandate relief, that will benefit the taxpayers in the 81st District. As is the case with any successful compromise, no one is walking away 100% pleased, but every lawmaker can point to some provisions in this new school funding bill that helps our districts and our taxpayers."

SB1947, which was signed into law on Thursday, is intended to provide equal funding for schools throughout the state via a new evidence-based model. 

Rep. David R. Olsen (R-Downers Grove) | http://www.ilga.gov/house/Rep.asp?MemberID=2476

“No school district will lose money under this plan,” Olsen said in his statement. “The compromise ensures a high quality education for all Illinois students and prioritizes funding for the most impoverished schools and students.”

Olsen also said as the formula is implemented across the state, lawmakers will be able to find out if it positively impacts student learning and can make changes if it doesn't.

“We must not forget that at its core this is sweeping change based on years of study and many recommendations from the School Funding Reform Commission,” Olsen in his statement. “We are now embracing an evidence-based model that should help every individual student succeed.”