Chicago Urban League sues state over school funding

08.21.08

Chicago Tribune

The Chicago Urban League sued the state Wednesday, asserting Illinois' education funding system is unconstitutional and violates the state's Civil Rights Act by discriminating against black and Hispanic children.

The suit, filed in Cook County Circuit Court, alleges that the state is failing in its responsibility to properly fund education by relying too heavily on local property taxes to fund schools. As a result, schools in poorer minority communities receive money at a dramatically lower rate than those in affluent white communities.

Cheryle Jackson, president of the Chicago Urban League, said the suit is needed to bring change after decades of inaction by lawmakers. Her group has worked with a high-profile law firm for more than a year to prepare its case against the state and the State Board of Education.

Top News

11.24.08

Schools feel pinch from economic woes

School districts across the United States are tightening their belts in anticipation of a meager fiscal diet that could carry into 2011.

As state and local revenue declines, officials are looking for the trims least likely to harm the quality of education. Although some districts have rainy-day funds to tap, concern is growing that students, particularly those who are struggling to learn or who are homeless, are going to feel the pinch.

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Toolkit: Importance of Advanced Math

This toolkit by Achieve highlights the connection between higher-lever math courses and student readiness for college, work and life. Resources include fact sheets, presentations, policy papers and brochures.

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