Illinois School Districts Struggle With Inadequate Funding

Belleville and East St. Louis districts face challenges due to state and federal budget cuts

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Educators and state workers with the Illinois Federation of Teachers rallied at the state Capitol, urging Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly to fully fund public schools and higher education. The union highlighted the funding struggles of the Belleville Township High School District 201 and East St. Louis schools, which have been impacted by state underfunding and federal budget cuts under the Trump administration.

Why it matters

The funding shortfalls in these school districts have led to larger class sizes, fewer support staff, outdated materials, and less stability for students and families. The union is calling for increased taxes on the ultra-wealthy to invest in education and 'Trump-proof' the state against future federal cuts.

The details

The Belleville Township High School District 201 has 4,642 students and is funded at 68.8% of what it needs, with a student body that is 57.7% low-income, 18.6% with IEPs, and 1.6% English language learners. In East St. Louis, the Trump administration terminated an $18 million grant in 2024, ending after-school care, tutoring, mental health services and family support for two schools. The union says Illinois is underfunding students and communities by more than $6 billion, including $5 billion for K-12 schools and $1.4 billion for higher education.

  • The Illinois Federation of Teachers rally and lobbying took place on February 17, 2026.
  • The Trump administration terminated the $18 million ACT Now Illinois grant in December 2024.

The players

Illinois Federation of Teachers

A 103,000-member union that represents educators and state workers in Illinois.

Gov. JB Pritzker

The governor of Illinois who the union is urging to fully fund public schools and higher education.

Belleville Township High School District 201

A school district in Illinois with 4,642 students that is funded at 68.8% of what it needs.

East St. Louis schools

Schools in East St. Louis, Illinois that lost $18 million in federal funding for after-school programs, tutoring, mental health services and family support.

Trump administration

The previous federal administration that the union says cut funding for Illinois schools and communities.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“From pre-K to PhD. Illinois owes our students over $6 billion, and this is not just in one part of the state. This is urban, this is suburban, this is rural, and our governor needs to deliver on the funds that have been promised and we have not yet received.”

— Cyndi Oberle-Dahm, Executive Vice President and Southwest Area Council President, Illinois Federation of Teachers (riverbender.com)

“Today, clinicians such as social workers, speech and language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists and school nurses are assigned to two or more schools. This means students who require weekly services may receive inconsistent or reduced supports.”

— Dr. Quintella Bounds, Chicago Public Schools Special Education Teacher and Case Manager, Chicago Teachers Union (riverbender.com)

“Please follow through on your promises and pass the Adequate and Equitable Public University Funding Act. We are counting on this.”

— Anabelle Jimenez, Student, Northeastern Illinois University (riverbender.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.