Post by title1parent on Feb 20, 2009 6:56:29 GMT -5
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1441331,2_1_AU20_STIMULUS_S1.article
Stimulus cash heads to schools
Plan aims to funnel millions into district coffers statewide
February 20, 2009
By DAN CAMPANA dcampana@scn1.com
AURORA -- School Superintendent Jim Rydland stopped short of sticking his hand out, but he didn't hold back his appreciation for some federal stimulus money heading to West Aurora and other school districts around the area.
"Our wallet is ready," Rydland told U.S. Rep. Bill Foster during an event in West Aurora High School's library Thursday.
Local school districts stand to pick additional money for special education and low-income student programs as part of the recently signed federal stimulus package. The funds are broken into two categories, money for special education and Title 1 funds for low-income students.
School district Title 1 Special Ed Total
East Aurora $2,258,000 $3,393,000 $5,652,000
West Aurora $1,257,000 $3,099,000 $4,356,000
Batavia N/A $1,419,000 $1,419,000
Geneva N/A $1,190,000 $1,190,000
Hinckley-Big Rock $39,000 $226,000 $265,000
Kaneland N/A $671,000 $671,000
Oswego N/A $1,703,000 $1,703,000
Plano $56,000 $392,000 $448,000
Sandwich $95,000 $519,000 $614,000
Somonauk $34,000 $190,000 $224,000
St. Charles N/A $2,781,000 $2,781,000
Indian Prairie N/A $4,843,000 $4,843,000
Yorkville N/A $674,000 $674,000
Foster, a Geneva Democrat, stopped by the school to tout millions of dollars slated for special education and low-income student programs for schools across his 14th Congressional District. West Aurora stands to pick up an estimated $4.3 million, according to preliminary numbers.
The congressional freshman also highlighted another $2.1 billion in "stabilization" funds for Illinois coming from the U.S. Department of Education, which will be doled out by the state.
"We have to work very carefully with the government in Springfield to make sure it's done equitably," Foster said, alluding to the state's financial woes and impact they have had on school funding.
West Aurora knows those issues well. The state is about $5.2 million behind in its payments to the district. Vickie Nelson, West Aurora's assistant superintendent for finance, explained that funding gap will be tightened somewhat thanks to the expected $4.3 million, which can go to assist programs such as special education speech and low-income reading. Nelson said costs have risen in those areas, while state dollars haven't materialized.
"Those resources will be well spent," Rydland said.
It isn't clear when the estimates will be finalized or how soon the money becomes available. As for the stabilization cash -- intended for infrastructure improvements or restoring staff cuts, among other things -- Nelson expects a long line of districts looking for a share.
Foster emphasized his stance that not all of the stimulus money need go to "asphalt." He stressed the importance of investing in the future of children and highlighted statistics that show lower unemployment rates for those with higher levels of education.
"Anyone who thinks education doesn't impact unemployment needs to look at those numbers," he said.
Stimulus cash heads to schools
Plan aims to funnel millions into district coffers statewide
February 20, 2009
By DAN CAMPANA dcampana@scn1.com
AURORA -- School Superintendent Jim Rydland stopped short of sticking his hand out, but he didn't hold back his appreciation for some federal stimulus money heading to West Aurora and other school districts around the area.
"Our wallet is ready," Rydland told U.S. Rep. Bill Foster during an event in West Aurora High School's library Thursday.
Local school districts stand to pick additional money for special education and low-income student programs as part of the recently signed federal stimulus package. The funds are broken into two categories, money for special education and Title 1 funds for low-income students.
School district Title 1 Special Ed Total
East Aurora $2,258,000 $3,393,000 $5,652,000
West Aurora $1,257,000 $3,099,000 $4,356,000
Batavia N/A $1,419,000 $1,419,000
Geneva N/A $1,190,000 $1,190,000
Hinckley-Big Rock $39,000 $226,000 $265,000
Kaneland N/A $671,000 $671,000
Oswego N/A $1,703,000 $1,703,000
Plano $56,000 $392,000 $448,000
Sandwich $95,000 $519,000 $614,000
Somonauk $34,000 $190,000 $224,000
St. Charles N/A $2,781,000 $2,781,000
Indian Prairie N/A $4,843,000 $4,843,000
Yorkville N/A $674,000 $674,000
Foster, a Geneva Democrat, stopped by the school to tout millions of dollars slated for special education and low-income student programs for schools across his 14th Congressional District. West Aurora stands to pick up an estimated $4.3 million, according to preliminary numbers.
The congressional freshman also highlighted another $2.1 billion in "stabilization" funds for Illinois coming from the U.S. Department of Education, which will be doled out by the state.
"We have to work very carefully with the government in Springfield to make sure it's done equitably," Foster said, alluding to the state's financial woes and impact they have had on school funding.
West Aurora knows those issues well. The state is about $5.2 million behind in its payments to the district. Vickie Nelson, West Aurora's assistant superintendent for finance, explained that funding gap will be tightened somewhat thanks to the expected $4.3 million, which can go to assist programs such as special education speech and low-income reading. Nelson said costs have risen in those areas, while state dollars haven't materialized.
"Those resources will be well spent," Rydland said.
It isn't clear when the estimates will be finalized or how soon the money becomes available. As for the stabilization cash -- intended for infrastructure improvements or restoring staff cuts, among other things -- Nelson expects a long line of districts looking for a share.
Foster emphasized his stance that not all of the stimulus money need go to "asphalt." He stressed the importance of investing in the future of children and highlighted statistics that show lower unemployment rates for those with higher levels of education.
"Anyone who thinks education doesn't impact unemployment needs to look at those numbers," he said.