The new Illinois budget is a big win for education according to Governor JB Pritzker and a local school leader is says she is cautiously optimistic.

For the first time in some time, a state budget means schools can plan accordingly for funding from the state. Superintendent of Warrensburg-Latham Schools, Dr. Kristen Kendrick-Weikle says that is certainly a good thing but wants to see the funds come in before she gets too excited. 

Dr. Kendrick-Weikle indicates last year changes to the calendar put a wrench in their plans and now this year they are once again awaiting a decision from Illinois in regards to the structure of their calendar.

Dr. Kendrick-Weikle indicates the budgeting process has seen a shift in recent years. She explains there are four payments districts expect to receive from the State and in the worst of times they planned on getting two but she wonders if they can start planning to receive all four?

Dr. Kendrick-Weikle says it makes them very optimistic going into the school year and they feel much better about their financial status going forward.