Illinois lawmakers question progress under Evidence-Based Funding for public education

May 7, 2026 - 02:59

State lawmakers are set to review the impact of Illinois' Evidence-Based Funding formula on public education, questioning whether the landmark 2017 law has delivered on its promises. The formula, designed to direct more state money to underfunded school districts, was hailed as a major fix to the state's long-standing inequities in education funding. However, as the state prepares for another budget cycle, some legislators are raising concerns about the pace of improvement.

The Evidence-Based Funding model uses a set of benchmarks to calculate what each district needs to provide an adequate education, then distributes state funds to help close the gap between current spending and that target. Proponents argue the formula has already steered billions of dollars to the neediest schools, leading to smaller class sizes and expanded programs. Critics, however, point to persistent disparities in student outcomes and the slow rate at which some districts are reaching their funding adequacy levels.

The upcoming hearings will focus on data showing how much progress districts have made since the formula was implemented. Lawmakers are expected to examine whether the state is on track to fully fund the model, a goal that has remained elusive due to budget constraints. Some worry that without a significant increase in state revenue, the formula's potential will remain unrealized, leaving many schools still struggling to meet basic needs. The review comes as educators and advocates push for a more aggressive timeline to close the funding gap, arguing that students cannot afford to wait.