LeROY -- Superintendent Gary Tipsord wants more people to know about the state school funding crisis.
So, now scrolling across the marquee at LeRoy High School, will be a number that is the difference between what the district should have received and what it actually has received.
Late last week, that number was $250,000. Fieldcrest School District in Minonk is using a similar tactic to spread awareness.
The 13 districts in the Heart of Illinois Conference are organizing an effort for change at the state level. Superintendents and state legislators already have met; a joint board meeting will be 7 p.m. Jan. 13 at Heyworth.
State Rep. Keith Sommer, a Mackinaw Republican, said he doesn't know the answer to the state's financial problems and doesn't know when the money will be available.
"It's a reflection of money not coming in," he said. "Revenues are much lower than projected. ... Even if a new revenue stream is put together, it won't show up in a day. It will take time."
Tipsord said 58 percent of the district's income comes from local sources - 89 percent of that from property taxes. Of the remaining money, 39 percent comes from the state and 3 percent from the federal government.
