Regional education superintendents mull options after budget slash
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[This summer is looking to be an uneasy one for regional offices of education after Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn removed all state funding for their offices for this year.
Regional Superintendent for ROE Area 6 Dr. Larry Fillingim said he anticipated reductions in funding, but all regional superintendents feel blindsided by Quinn's June 30 announcement.
"We were anticipating a possible reduction, but not an elimination of total line-item funding," Fillingim said.
The state's funding was $11.3 million which does not eliminate the regional offices, but would force local taxpayers to come up with the money or close the offices, according to the Associated Press.
Fillingim is hearing from the state there could be other state funds put toward expenditures of the regional offices, but said he is not aware of any state funds that could be used for that purpose.
Fillingim said without the state funding buildings the regional office rents would likely be closed and staff laid off. There are five regional offices and two alternative schools -- Learning Alternative Branch schools -- one in Harrisburg and one in Mill Shoals. The regional office rents the Harrisburg regional office and the two schools -- the four other offices being provided in schools or other government municipalities rent-free.
"We could look at consolidation down to one facility or two at most, but I don't know where we would go," Fillingim said.
Fillingim said he understands the LAB schools -- which operate through a complex funding formula -- could be facing a 10-percent cut or more.
"I'm sure there are going to be cuts. I'm hoping they are not more than 10-percent," Fillingim said.
Fillingim said there is a bill currently on the governor's desk that would require any student who receives a multi-day suspension to attend an alternative school. If Quinn signs that bill into law the LAB schools will be more important.
"We have provided service to the LAB schools to give kids the credits they need and get back to school to graduate. We build them up, get them back to where they need to be and go on. If that can't occur, where do we go? Local schools are strapped for money as well. They are doing what they can do," Fillingim said.
Though Fillingim says it would be a great loss to see staff -- 34 total -- forced out of their jobs and students lose what may be their final shot at a chance to graduate high school, school districts and the state's education system will also suffer.
He said the Illinois State Board of Education has asked for more money for the regional offices because the system is economical and the ROEs take care of many areas the ISBEs cannot. The ROEs approve school calenders, allow for professional development, ensure teachers have met training requirements and act as a conduit between the ISBE and local school districts.
The governor also cut transportation money by $89 million which leaves nearly $206 million. School districts would be having to budget to make up for the transportation money loss which means less money to spend on education or other areas.
Fillingim Tuesday was leaving for Springfield for three days for the annual meeting of the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents, a meeting with the Illinois State Board of Education and for fact gathering. He will return to Springfield Monday for duties associated with district report cards.
Fillingim said during his Springfield visits he will also be preaching the value of ROEs to school districts to "everybody and anybody who will listen."
"We know exactly what they need and what they what. I'll be lobbying for them. (The ROEs) are included in almost everything there is in the state except funding," Fillingim said.
Lawmakers rejected both of Quinn's education cuts. They have the option of restoring the $376 million that Quinn cut Thursday. Unless they take action, however, Quinn's version of the budget is the one Illinois will follow for the next year.
Fillingim said lawmakers could call a special session to override Quinn's budget cuts or wait until the legislative session resumes in October.
"From now until October or unless there is a special session we have to operate like this is the budget," Fillingim said.
The regional superintendents could have legal recourse against the state since the state's funding provides their salaries, they are elected into office and they must be paid through their terms of office, Fillingim said.
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DeNeal receives e-mail at bdeneal@yourclearwave.com.</li>
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