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Last updated 10:08 am CT February 09, 2010.
School Funding Illinois Honor Roll
In the computer lab students in Crab Orchard are learning the ropes of web design. Principal William McSparin says fortunately for Crab Orchard not only financing but also academics have clicked, "In spite of financial difficulty academics is still a top priority. We're very blessed we have a five year old high school."
They're one of 34 local schools named to the state honor roll.
Crab Orchard was one of only a few recognized specifically for academic improvement showing substantial
gains over 3 years.
Illinois State Superintendent of Education Christopher Koch says these awards mean a lot considering how many area schools have received late payments from the state,"It's a factor of how much the community is supporting local schools, the leadership in the schools, the instructional staff the support they're
getting a combination of things that contribute to that kind of excellence. We're just glad to see it."
Koch says the State Board of Education is trying to plan, they've proposed an increase in general state aid of
135 dollars per student, "So even in times when we're going through difficult revenue projections- we still feel like education has to remain a focus."
With school after school showing progress with their test scores, funding that goes toward education is proving to be money well spent. Koch admits, "We want the public to recognize also- schools that are doing a good job particularly in these difficult economic times."
By: Emily Eddington
eeddington@wsiltv.com
Now: 1265732893
