7am News, Sports and Obits
Latest WGIL news
Click to play or
Right click and "Save Target As" to download
Click for Galesburg, Illinois Forecast
Home - Cancellations - Community Events - Contact Us - Mornings - News - Obituaries - Pictures - Programs - Special Events Audio - Sports - Weather
Quinn Upset School Consoidation Subject Never Approached in Session
(IRN)-As the new head of the Illinois State Board of Education looks at ways to stretch available dollars, Gov. Pat Quinn says he is disappointed that school consolidation wasn't considered by state lawmakers.

On Tuesday Quinn appointed Gery Chico, the former head of Chicago schools, to head up ISBE. Part of what he wants Chico to do is economize. One legislative action that would’ve helped is the consolidation of school districts across the state.

"Well I am disappointed that the General Assembly didn't tackle the issue head on," Quinn said. "We have about 800 school districts in our state. Most states have far fewer."

Quinn says consolidation would've saved about $100 million. Quinn says there is a bill headed his way that would create a commission to study the issue. He says while that's a start it isn't enough.

"I would've liked to [have seen] a little quicker action," Quinn said.

Meanwhile Quinn says he will sign a bill this week that will make transparent teacher contract negotiation should they stall and for Chicago schools, allow longer school days if the district sees it fit to do so.
06 08 11 by Newsroom
News management powered by Xpression News

Click here for the WGIL News Archive

Click here for national news

The following provision applies to all visitors (which shall include persons and representatives of legal entities, whether such representatives are persons or digital engines of a kind that crawls, indexes, scrapes, copies, stores or transmits digital content). By accessing this Web site or digital service, you specifically acknowledge and agree that: (i) Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium; (ii) No Associated Press materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and non-commercial use; (iii) The Associated Press will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing; (iv) The Associated Press is an intended third party beneficiary of these terms and conditions and it may exercise all rights and remedies available to it; and (v) The Associated Press reserves the right to audit possible unauthorized commercial use of AP materials or any portion thereof at any time.