Most school districts across Illinois are spending more than they’re taking in and dipping into reserves or borrowing to stay afloat, according to new state data.
The 2016 School District Financial Profile Scores, released last week, show that although fewer districts fell into the lowest financial category and more districts made it into the top financial category, almost 60 percent are deficit-spending. The state hasn’t seen such a high percentage since at least the 2010 school year.
State school board officials are concerned the districts can look good on paper and increase their financial profile by borrowing and dipping into reserves.
