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Galesburg Schools Finance Chief Testifies on School Funding
The man in charge of the budget at the Galesburg School District isn't completely critical of the state's school funding situation.

District-205 Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Paul Woelke recently testified before an Illinois House Hearing on School Funding, hosted by its Elementary and Secondary Education Committee.

"First, I'd like to thank all of you -- I'd like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the $400 foundation leven increase last year," Woelke testified.

Woelke told the committee that while that per-pupil spending level increase still doesn't bring funding up to the recommended levels, the increase did allow the Galesburg School District to do something important. "We had the opportunity to improve the technology in our district," Woelke said. "Last June, we bought nine new computer labs, which is equivalent to one for each building. We bought about 30 new 'SmartBoards.' If you're familiar with what those are, the interactive white boards -- which are a real positive impact in our classrooms."

Woelke says a number of other purchases were able to be made with that extra money. But he says the fact is that school funding in Illinois still has to change.

Woelke says teachers want more Smart Boards and pay raises, and other needs for their classrooms, but as long as funding is uncertain, he's telling them he doesn't know what they can expect.

(Contributing, Illinois Radio Network)
10 13 08 by Newsroom
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