Legislation that could affect thousands of students in the lowest performing elementary schools in the City of Chicago passed the Illinois Senate this week.  The measure, sponsored by Senator James Meeks (D-Chicago), would offer private-school vouchers to children in Chicago’s 49 lowest performing schools – 10 percent of the schools in the city.

Senate Bill 2494 could serve as a tentative model for future development in Illinois’ educational system.  If passed, the pilot program would begin in the 2011-2012.  In 2014, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) would evaluate the program and report their findings to the General Assembly. Families would be able to apply for vouchers from ISBE.

Senator Meeks said the goal of this legislation is to provide every student an equal opportunity to a good education.  Meeks, a long-time advocate for school funding reform, has sought new ways to improve educational opportunities for the underprivileged in the absence of funding reform.  The Senate Democrats did approve House Bill 174 last year, which aimed to maintain a constant education revenue source for Illinois children; however, the measure was never taken up in the Illinois House.

In meetings between Senator Meeks and private school representatives, school officials reacted positively and feel prepared to handle an influx of students from public schools.  If demand is too great, private school officials agreed they would look into reopening various schools that have previously been closed.

The measure now moves to the Illinois House of Representatives for further consideration.