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EFAB

Dr. James T. Rosborg, Superintendent of Belleville Public School District #118

Dear Illinois Legislator:        

     The purpose of this letter is to effectively communicate the discussion created by the General State Aid Claim Form that results in less revenue and greatly affects the long range funding of elementary districts. It is our attempt to have legislators evaluate the .0230 (2.30) calculation rate for elementary districts and hopefully adjust it down to .0210 (2. 1 0). We are very thankful for the legislative effort two years ago with House Bill 452 and the Adequacy Funds. The long range funding of elementary districts is not good though because of the 2.30 rate versus 1.05 for high schools and 3.00 for unit districts.        

     Enclosed is a summary of sample calculations for the $4,325 foundation level. There are 3 examples included: #1 - the current 2.30 rate for elementary districts; #2 - the current 1.05 rate for high school districts, and #3 - a 2. 1 0 rate which is being suggested for elementary districts for the legislators to consider.        

     This is the perfect year for this to happen. 1) The foundation level has already been established so unit and high school districts will not be negatively impacted in State Aid. 2) The economy is good. 3) Now is the optimal time for financial equity and equalization for elementary districts to be addressed and to take place.        

     Based on the state board's calculation, this request will increase the need for State Aid monies by 56.4 million dollars. The hold harmless provision will decrease 4.2 million dollars. The net cost to the state will be 52.2 million dollars.

General State Aid Formula Comparisons

Base Line Data: 150,000,000  EAV (Assessments)
2,000 ADA (Students)
150,000 Corporate Personal Property  Replacement Tax
4,325 Foundation Level
Comparative Data -- Operating Fund State Calculations
A. -  $2.30 Elementary District
B. -  $1.05 High School District
C. -  $2.10 Suggested Elementary District
D. -  $3.00 Unit District

Example #1          $2.30 - Present Elementary Calculation

1.  $4,325  X  2,000 = $8,650,000
minus 2.  $150,000,000 X 2.30 + 150,000 = $3,600,000
3.  State Aid = $5,050,000

Example #2          $1.05  - Present High School Calculation

1.  $4,325  X  2,000 = $8,650,000
minus 2.  $150,000,000 X 1.05 + 150,000 = $1,725,000
3.  State Aid = $6,925,000

Example #3          $2.10 - Suggested Elementary Adjustment Calculation

1.  $4,325  X  2,000 = $8,650,000
minus 2.  $150,000,000 X 2.10 + 150,000 = $3,300,000
3.  State Aid = $5,350,000

Factual Information:

Based on the consistent data of 150,000,000 EAV, 2000 ADA, and 150,000 Corporate Personal Property Replacement Tax, the following facts are true.

  1. Even though high school districts have the same access to tax rates and EAV, they presently receive $1,875,000 more per year in State Aid. They also are educating four years of students versus nine years at the elementary. 
  2. Presently the sum of the operating rates used on the General State Aid Claim Form establishes the elementary and high school districts at $3.35. Unit district rates with the same number of grades are $3.00. 
  3. A .20 decrease would give the above hypothetical district an increase of $300,000 in State Aid. It would still leave elementary and high school districts with a $3.15 calculation rate versus $3.00 for unit districts. 
  4. Even though HB 452 gave a great initial increase to elementary districts, the resulting foundation formula puts elementary districts at financial risk over future funding. 

     Thank you for your time. Please call us at (618) 233-2830 or email us at jrosborg@stclair.kl2.il.us if you have any questions.