Invest in quality after-school programs Posted on July 31st
As co-chair of the Lake County After School Coalition and sponsor of Illinois House Resolution 384, which established the After-school Funding Policy Task Force, I have followed with interest the recent series by Tribune reporters Stephanie Banchero and Patricia Callahan regarding the state funding of after-school programs. In fact, it was a similar investigation several years ago that prompted my legislative action.
HR-384 established the task force to develop recommendations for the administration and coordination of the after-school, mentoring and student-support line item in the State Board of Education’s budget. The task force includes stakeholders who understand the importance of quality after- and out-of-school time programs and services.
The resolution was adopted unanimously and is supported by the governor’s office and the Illinois State Board of Education. Our primary purpose has been to address the issue of accountability from the programs receiving this funding.
The Illinois After-School Partnership has been meeting to develop policy recommendations to ensure adequate funding and accountability, using national standards and best practices. The Tribune series has helped to focus attention on the need for a change in the process.
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