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| Education Legislative Update |
Dear Neighbor,
The quality of education in Illinois is an issue I hear about regularly from constituents and is one of my top priorities in Springfield. This update provides a brief overview of education funding in the state and highlights some of the most important education bills that passed this session.
Education Funding
By Constitution, Illinois should be the primary funder of education in the State. Historically this has meant the state pays for at least 50% of education costs. The state's share has eroded to only about a third, however, and thus local school districts keep increasing property taxes to fund education. An over reliance on property taxes also leads to highly unequal education funding across the State -- from over $18,000 per pupil in some districts to $4,600 per pupil elsewhere. It is not right that the quality of child's education is based on his or her address.
I voted for HB174, an education funding bill, which passed the Senate, but did not pass the House. This bill would raise the income tax, triple the earned income tax credit to help low income families, and decrease property taxes. I will continue to work on addressing this fundamental unfairness in education funding as we move forward. There is a large group working to revise HB174 and bring it to a vote next session.
Education Legislation
The following important education bills passed this year.
- Educational Data System (SB1828) - The national Data Quality Campaign identifies 10 essential elements of quality data systems. I introduced this legislation that passed this year that will implement a system in Illinois that includes all 10 elements, allowing us to evaluate the performance of our educational system at all levels. This legislation is considered a model by the Data Quality Campaign.
- Raising the Charter School Cap (SB612) and Labor Relations at Charter Schools (SB1984) - SB 612 doubles the number of charter public schools allowed in Illinois from 60 to120. With this increase, the number of charter schools in the Chicago area moves from 30 to 75, with the ability to add 5 charter schools for students who have dropped out of high school. This increase is needed to allow the 13,000 families who are on the waiting list for charter schools the opportunity to attend. A companion bill - SB1984 - requires charter schools be subject to the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act, clarifying that charter school teachers are able to unionize under Illinois law.
- Innovation, intervention, and restructuring task force (SB2119) - I introduced SB2119 which would create innovation, intervention and restructuring task force to develop strategies to effectively turnaround failing schools and to provide greater flexibility for high performing schools. For more information on this and some local examples, please item below about Fresh Start Schools below.
- Early Childhood Education (SB1412) - This bill increases the amount of funding that children under three would receive from Early Childhood Education Block Grants. Currently, this amount is 11% of the total funding and will rise to 20% of total funding. This is a phase in program over four years, so it is not expected to increase the state budget.
- Locally Grown Food (HB 78) - This bill establishes the Farm Fresh Foods programs, which delegates funds to assisting local farms provide fresh produce to schools. This is accomplished by creating competitive grants for schools. This program also has a goal of reducing obesity and promoting healthy habits among school children.
- Laptops for Students (SB 613) - If money is appropriated will create a pilot program in order to provide laptops for children grades 3-8. These would be prioritized by schools with low income students, low test scores, and little technological resources.
I welcome any additional input you may have on improving our education system in Illinois.
Sincerely,
Heather A. Steans
State Senator |
| Fresh Start Schools |
Intervening in chronically failing schools is a critical element in education reform in Illinois. This year, I worked to pass SB2119, School Intervention Task Force. This would create an innovation, intervention and restructuring task force to develop strategies to effectively turnaround failing schools and to provide greater flexibility for high performing schools.
Fresh Starts Schools is a school reform initiative developed by a partnership between the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and Chicago Public Schools (CPS). This program includes eight elementary schools and two high schools.
Marc Wigler, a constituent and neighbor in the 7th district, serves as the Fresh Start Program Manager. Marc says that this program has given teachers a tremendous opportunity to change the lives of our students and schools. Every school has its own culture and no two schools are alike.
The goals of this program include improving academic achievement at some of Chicago's lowest performing schools. This program also involves meaningful collaboration and participation by teachers and the principal in creating a plan for the school.
Fresh Start Schools are traditional in that, as Union schools, they enjoy the same Union-Board Agreement as other CPS schools. They are non-traditional in the creative approaches employed for instructional purposes. Fresh Start Schools are each monitored by an Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) that includes representatives from within the school (3 teachers, principal, CTU Quest Center Facilitator, LSC parent or community member).
The elementary schools in the Fresh Start Program have shown considerable growth in terms of ISAT data including reading, math, science, and overall composite scores.
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| MAP Grant Funding |
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MAP grants provide funding for low income students to attend college. These grants were only half funded this session, providing funding for only the fall semester for many students. I continue to support legislation that will restore MAP grants. I understand that we will work to restore funding for MAP grants in October during our veto session and I will certainly vote to support this measure. In the meantime, I wanted to alert anyone interested in MAP grants to the following meetings:
- Illinois Board of Higher Education - On Tuesday, October 6 the Illinois Board of Higher Education is hosting a meeting at 9:a.m at Loyola University Chicago ( Lake shore Campus) in the Mundelein Center Auditorium ( first floor), located at 1020 W Sheridan. Although there is no public input at this meeting, it is open to the public and MAP grants will be on the agenda.
- Illinois Student Assistance Commission public hearing - A Public Hearing on the MAP will be held in the Mundelein Center Auditorium on October 9, 2009 at Loyola University Chicago Lake shore Campus from 10: 00 A.M to 1:00 P.M.
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| Public Safety Seminars |
Please join State Representative Harry Osterman, State Senator Heather Steans, and The Edgewater Community Council for Public Safety Seminars on Monday October 5, 2009
Street Safety Seminar
7:30 p.m.
Learn how to stay safe while walking in our community.
Home Safety Seminar
6:30 p.m.
Learn tips on how to keep your home and property safe.
Date: Monday, October 5
Location: Broadway Armory Park, 2nd Floor Ballroom, 5917 N. Broadway St.
The Chicago Police Department's Preventative Programs Unit will lead both seminars.Join your neighbors to learn how to keep you and your belongings safe and secure.
This event is free and open to the public.
For more information, please contact Rep. Osterman's district office at (773) 784-2002.
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| Edgewater Fall Service Day |
Columbus Day, Monday, October 12, is our next day of service. Earlier this year, in response to President Obama's call for people to give back to their communities, community volunteers have painted and cleaned the Epworth Men's shelter, built a fence at Hayt School, assisted with clothing and food pantry needs at Care for Real and Cornerstone Community Outreach, picked up litter in multiple locations, and painted the el stops at Thorndale and Granville.
On the 12th we will focus on cleaning and winterizing at a local homeless shelter, cleaning up the neighborhood, painting at Care for Real and much more. Families, kids, and people of all ages are welcome. This event is perfect for students who need service hours.
There will be two shifts, one starting at 10:00 a.m., the second at 5:00 p.m. Volunteers should come to the 48th Ward office, 5533 N. Broadway for assignments. If you have questions or want to confirm your participation e-mail jen@heathersteans.com.
The Fall Day of Service is sponsored by Alderman Mary Ann Smith, State Representative Harry Osterman, State Senator Heather Steans, Commissioner Bridget Gainer, Committeewoman Carol Ronen, Edgewater Beautiful, and the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce
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Heather Steans
