MERIDIAN CUSD 223

School districts in Illinois receive funds from three major sources – local, state, and federal. The dollar amount from each of these sources varies depending on many factors such as property values in the district, and state and federal programs. In this display, you can see the importance of local property taxes in supporting schools as compared to other local, state, and federal funding.

Local funds, the largest source in most districts, come primarily from property taxes. State funds, which are appropriated each year by the Illinois General Assembly, include evidence-based funding and funding by formulas for specific needs such as special education, transportation, and facility construction or renovation. Federal funds help to support low-income students, special education, nutrition programs, and pre-school among other needs.

By clicking on the 5 Year and 10 Year trends, you will be able to see how the amounts from each of the funding sources have varied over time. These variations can be caused by changes in the contributions at any of the three levels or by increasing or reducing programs in the schools.

• Understanding School Finance (Illinois Association of School Boards)

• School Budgets 101 (American Association of School Administrators)