The Illinois State Board of Education is seeking public input for the fiscal year 2027 education budget.
According to a community announcement, ISBE is inviting school leaders, teachers, parents and community advocates to submit funding requests on its agency budget Information webpage.
“Even though this school year is just starting, it’s already time for school leaders to begin taking stock of their fiscal priorities for next year,” State Superintendent of Education Tony Sanders said in the announcement. “We’re asking anyone with a hand in public education to share with us what statewide programs we should ask the legislature to prioritize and what will help maximize our state resources. While we are heading into another tight fiscal year, we want public input to shape our annual state budget recommendation.”
The board has previously increased investments in career and technical education, national board certification and alternative education based on public feedback.
“The Board greatly values the insights and perspectives of community members in shaping the state’s education budget,” ISBE Board Chair Dr. Steven Isoye said in the announcement. “Every submission and testimony helps us understand the needs of students and educators across Illinois.”
The feedback will guide ISBE’s advocacy for equitable funding and form the basis for its budget recommendation to Governor JB Pritzker and the General Assembly in January 2026.
Written testimonies can be submitted via the Budget Hearing Form on the ISBE information webpage. Individuals who have submitted written testimony may also speak at one of three budget hearings.
The hearings are scheduled for 4-7 p.m. Sept. 30 in the Board Room at 100 N. First St., Springfield, and 1-4 p.m. Oct. 16 and 4-7 p.m. Oct. 21, both virtual.
This story was created by reporter Abreanna Blose, ablose@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.