Peoria Public Schools received more funding this year, but advocates say it isn't enough

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) -- As Peoria Public Schools receive more in-state funding, some advocates are saying Illinois isn't properly funding its public schools.

According to Advance Illinois, an independent group focused on education, Illinois needs to fund its public school system an additional $2.5 billion to be what's considered "adequately funded."

This year, PPS saw a jump from 65% to 82.5% adequate funding, according to Cheryl Flores with Advance Illinois. That still doesn't reach the magic number of 90% adequate funding that they said is vital for public schools.

"I would say there is progress being made and worth celebrating," she said. "But in general, the system is still underfunded by 2.5 billion dollars."

Illinois public schools are funded through the Evidence-Based Funding mod