PEORIA, IL – In cooperation with Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon, state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria) passed legislation out of the Elementary and Secondary Education Committee, which came from Simon’s Classrooms First Commission.

“As schools across the state are facing budget shortfalls, we must do everything that we can to help school districts that are trying to make good financial decisions,” said Gordon-Booth. “This bill will help school districts reorganize more easily as they look to partner with other districts to save money and deliver better services to students.”

The Classrooms First Commission was tasked with identifying ways for school districts to reduce duplicative administrative spending and increase educational offerings. House Bill 2267 contains three suggestions from the Class Rooms First Commission’s final report.

Under this proposal, non-contiguous school districts within 30 miles of each other would be allowed to consolidate. Schools districts that have an enrollment of fewer than 750 students would be allowed to participate in an expedited dissolution. This means school districts would be able to dissolve without a referendum vote. This legislation would also allow school districts waiting for school construction funds to delay consolidation until those funds have been awarded.

“We must continue to help schools find innovative ways to use the resources they have to help our children succeed,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Simon. “This legislation will make it easier for school districts to put their students first by dedicating resources to expanding opportunities, and I would like to thank Rep. Gordon-Booth for her continued work to move this bill through the House.”

House Bill 2267 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration. For more information, please contact Rep. Gordon-Booth’s constituent service office at (309) 681-1992 or e-mail her at repjgordon@gmail.com.