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Quinn Doesn't Like Some Education Reforms
Gov. Pat Quinn is coming out against some education reforms that are percolating through the General Assembly.

A measure giving vouchers to students in the 49 worst-performing elementary schools in Chicago, allowing the students to attend private and charter schools, has passed the Illinois Senate. The governor is opposed. "I'm not for vouchers. I don't think we should go that route," he said. "But I am for public charter schools. As a matter of fact this year, we doubled the number of eligible schools to be charter schools in [Chicago], the suburbs and Downstate. There are some very good results from the public schools that are charter schools."

A law that took effect last year raised the number of charter schools allowed from 60 to 120. Of that total, 60 are allowed in Chicago, 15 in the suburbs, 15 Downstate, and 15 more either in the suburbs or Downstate.

Another measure that would allow school districts to opt out of unfunded mandates has passed the Illinois House. The governor isn't expressly against the bill, but he promised nothing further than to try not to impose any additional mandates without funding.

The sponsor of the unfunded mandates bill, State Rep. Roger Eddy (R-Hutsonville), says the mandates are often well intended and they set standards, but complying is a real drain on the resources of local schools.

(Illinois Radio Network)
03 31 10 by Newsroom
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