The clock is ticking. Illinois families deserve fully funded schools. Parents and students are asking for change now.
Now more than ever, in the face of unprecedented federal cuts to education, underfunded classrooms, and the threat of school privatization, we must make good on the promise of fully funding the Evidence-Based Funding formula (EBF).
In 2026, Illinois lawmakers again limited their investment in EBF to only the minimum increase targeted by law. With just one year to go until the June 30, 2027 target set by Illinois lawmakers for all K-12 students in Illinois to have access to a public education system with the resources necessary to deliver a high-quality education, another year of minimum investment fails to meet Illinois’ stated commitment to be a champion for public education.
The clock is ticking. Students cannot wait.
Lawmakers promised to fully fund the Evidence-Based Funding formula (EBF) by 2027. That means 100% adequacy for every school district across the state. As the deadline approaches, explore stories from Illinois parents and students who can no longer wait for the promise of an equitable school funding system.
More Than a Formula
From St. Clair to Lake Counties and everywhere in between and across the city of Chicago, every child deserves a fully-funded and well-resourced school. PEER Illinois is made up of diverse individuals from all across the state, joining together for more than just an increase to a funding formula: we want a transformational change.
Meet Krystal, a parent from Waukegan.
Meet Ethan a student from Forest Park, IL.
Meet Chinella, a parent with students in Chicago Public Schools.
Meet Noah, a student from Forest Park, IL.
Meet Maria, a community member who lives on the Southwest side of Chicago.
Meet Erica
“The underfunding really affects the students because then we’re not able to have extra activities or extracurricular activities for the children.”
Chicago, ILWant to explore the numbers in your school district on why we need a fully-funded EBF? Check out our funding data tool!
The Cost of Underfunding
A fully funded EBF formula could mean 22,166 more core and specialist teachers positions in Illinois.
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A fully funded EBF formula could mean 467 more special education teachers positions in Illinois.
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A fully funded EBF formula could mean 2,151 more counselors positions in Illinois.
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A fully funded EBF formula could mean 1,292 more nurses positions in Illinois.
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A fully funded EBF formula could mean 398 more psychologists positions in Illinois.
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A fully funded EBF formula could mean 513 more principals positions in Illinois.
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A fully funded EBF formula could mean 801 more assistant principals positions in Illinois.
A fully funded EBF formula could mean 22,166 more core and specialist teachers positions in Illinois. 〰️ A fully funded EBF formula could mean 467 more special education teachers positions in Illinois. 〰️ A fully funded EBF formula could mean 2,151 more counselors positions in Illinois. 〰️ A fully funded EBF formula could mean 1,292 more nurses positions in Illinois. 〰️ A fully funded EBF formula could mean 398 more psychologists positions in Illinois. 〰️ A fully funded EBF formula could mean 513 more principals positions in Illinois. 〰️ A fully funded EBF formula could mean 801 more assistant principals positions in Illinois.
Meet Arminda
Chicago, IL