NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2002
For further information:
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ISBE Budget Hearings Set

The State Board of Education today took an important step in developing an FY 04 budget proposal by approving three public hearings to gather input from local education leaders and citizens around the State.

The Budget Hearings are as follows:

September 19 11:30 – 1:00 Springfield
Crowne Plaza, Plaza B
3000 South Dirksen Parkway
September 24 4:00 – 6:00 Wheaton
ROE Library, 2nd Floor
421 North Co. Farm Rd.
October 17 1:00 – 2:00 Collinsville
Holiday Inn
1 Gateway Drive
October 25 9:00 – 10:00
 Chicago
James R. Thompson Center
ISBE Conference Room, 14th Floor

“The FY 2004 budget will be critical for our schools. The current economic crisis, the FY 03 budget reductions only compound the fact that 61 percent of school districts have deficit budgets,” said State Superintendent of Education Robert E. Schiller. “Before the Board begins deliberations toward passing a new budget in December, we need local administrators, board members, teachers and parents to tell us where money can best be spent to improve student achievement.

“I urge you to attend one of these hearings to add your thoughts and ideas to the deliberations,” Schiller said.