SPRINGFIELD – A 2012 study found that Illinois suspends more African-American students than any other state in the U.S., including a Black-White suspension disparity that is the highest in the country. To address this all-too-apparent problem and the overall frequency of out-of-school discipline, a new law that recently went into effect will help to ensure that all students are in school and off the streets as much as possible.

“Our education system has failed many children by simply denying them the opportunity to sit in a classroom,” said Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, sponsor of the successful legislation. “We’re moving toward a disciplinary system that prioritizes educating students by keeping them in school.”

Two Senate Democrats are keeping the conversation going about overhauling Illinois’ outdated, worst-in-the-nation school funding formula.

Senator Kimberly A. Lightford of Maywood is leading a group of lawmakers and stakeholders on developing a plan to revamp the current formula, which experts say fails to prioritize the schools that need the most help from the state.

Lightford’s group is looking at strategies to achieve both adequate and equitable state funding for Illinois’ public K-12 schools, many of which struggle to make ends meet because of high numbers of students who live in poverty, have special needs or speak English as a second language. These students cost more to educate because they require more resources to meet the learning standards set by the state.