On August 31, 2017, Governor Bruce Rauner signed SB 1947, enacting a new evidence-based school funding formula into law. The resources and events below provide guidance on how this law impacts your district.
Fiscal Year 2019 EBF Calculations Complete
School districts received the first of 22 Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) payments for fiscal year 2019 on Aug. 10. This represents both the Base Funding Minimum (BFM) amount, often referred to as the hold harmless provision, and tier funding amounts newly calculated for FY 2019.
Per statute, the Base Funding Minimum amount grows annually by the amount of tier funding paid in the prior year and the additional English Learner funding from FY 2018. In FY 2019, the BFM consists of three components – the FY 2018 BFM amount, the FY 2018 tier funding amount, and the FY 2018 additional English Learner funding. In addition to the BFM, districts receive an additional $300 million in funding distributed through the tiers, with the greatest share of funding going to those districts with the greatest need for assistance.
Beginning in FY 2019, there is also $50 million reserved for a new property tax relief grant program. More details about this grant will be available in the weeks ahead. Any funds not used for tax relief grants will be available as additional tier distribution amounts in the spring.
EBF payments will continue on the 10th and 20th of each month through June. Full FY 2019 calculations are available at the EBF Distribution page.
Calendar of Key Dates for ESSA and the EBF Spending Plan.