Illinois Residents Concerned About School Funding, Teacher Pay, and ICE Presence

Survey finds majority support more education funding and oppose ICE activity near schools

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A new survey from the Illinois Education Association reveals that the majority of Illinois residents are concerned about school funding, teacher pay, and the presence of ICE officers near public schools. The bipartisan poll of 1,000 Illinois residents found that 53% feel teachers are underpaid, 55% support more funding for public schools, and 57% are worried about ICE arresting students, parents, or school employees on school property.

Why it matters

The survey results highlight growing concerns in Illinois about the state of public education, with residents recognizing the need for increased investment in schools and teachers. The findings also reflect broader national debates around immigration enforcement and the impact on students and families. As the state's largest education employee union, the IEA is using the survey data to advocate for policy changes to address these issues.

The details

The survey, conducted by both Democratic and Republican polling firms, found that 53% of respondents feel teachers are paid too little, with that number rising to 60% among parents of public school students. 55% of all respondents supported more funding for public schools, increasing to 66% among parents. The survey also found that 53% of Illinoisans oppose ICE arresting and deporting immigrants in their communities, while 57% are worried about ICE activity on or near school grounds.

  • The survey was conducted January 26-29, 2026.

The players

Illinois Education Association

The state's largest education employee union, representing about 135,000 members including pre-K-12 teachers, education support staff, and college faculty.

Pat Brady

Former chairman of the Illinois Republican Party, now working for Mercury Consulting.

Karl Goeke

President of the Illinois Education Association.

Jill Normington

Polling expert from Normington, Petts and Associates.

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What they’re saying

“They know their home values are tied to their neighborhood schools, and that sends a clear message about the importance of investing in the public school system.”

— Pat Brady, Former chairman of the Illinois Republican Party (Fox32Chicago)

“We asked folks to tell us the first word or phrase that comes to mind when thinking about Illinois public school teachers. You can see 'dedicated' is the most mentioned, but 'underpaid, hard-working, underappreciated and overwhelmed' are right there. They support increases when hearing four of five schools are underfunded.”

— Karl Goeke, President of IEA (Fox32Chicago)

“This was a concern raised by school teachers in Illinois about what is happening at public schools in Illinois.”

— Jill Normington, Polling expert (Fox32Chicago)

What’s next

The Illinois Education Association plans to use the survey findings to advocate for policy changes at the state and federal levels to address concerns about school funding, teacher pay, and ICE activity near schools.

The takeaway

The survey results underscore the deep concerns Illinoisans have about the state of public education, with residents recognizing the need for increased investment in schools and teachers, as well as worries about the impact of immigration enforcement near educational institutions. As the state's largest teachers' union, the IEA is poised to leverage this data to push for reforms that address these pressing issues.