Education officials in Illinois were glad to hear Governor Bruce Rauner highlight the need for a high-quality, integrated education system during Wednesday's State of the State address.
The governor's new education proposal calls for school choice - such as charter schools or vouchers.
Regional School Superintendent Matt Donkin says he's not sure how charter schools would work in rural Illinois, where transportation is a major issue.
"Maybe it's a model that works more in an urban area than a rural area, I don't know. But, again it would be the one-size fits all process. Then, the other concern is if you go to charters, and those are all privatized, are they that effective, and where's the money going and do those charter schools take everybody in or do they get to pick and choose which students they receive?"
He says there may not be much of an appetite to talk about reforms when the state remains in a budget impasse.
Donkin says when Rauner delivers his budget address on February 17th, he hopes the governor talks about how to fund some of his education reform proposals.
"Number one, fund the state formula rate close to 100%, where it should be. Then, take a look at what kind of formula changes we might be able to push through, if it can be pushed through, in this legislative year."
While the governor didn't get into details during the speech about his education reforms... he mentioned "school choice", which seems to indicate a push for vouchers and charter schools.
Rauner also said he wants to give districts more flexibility in bargaining - something that unions are against.
