Superintendents around the State of Illinois were recently informed that cuts to funding for things like transportation and special education are coming. 

Heyworth Schools Superintendent Dr. Lisa Taylor explains that mandated categoricals were already underfunded, and that the recent announcement of further cuts to that funding only adds to the financial struggle districts are feeling with already increasing costs. 

Dr. Taylor states that they, like many districts, have had to transfer money from their working cash fund to make up for the cuts. She adds that they may have to eliminate some busing routes, even though they already tax levy the most they can for transportation. 

The Superintendent shares frustration over the growing number of requirements coming from Springfield, while funding for those requirements is still nowhere to be seen. 

Cuts to mandated categoricals will not just affect transportation. Dr. Taylor indicates that food services will also be taking a hit. She adds that this category already runs at a deficit, and if they lose even more funding, they will have to make up for it through the education fund. 

A little over 20% of Heyworth students receive free lunches. Dr. Taylor feels that she is lucky to be a part of a giving community that is participating in the ongoing battle against food insecurity; however, they cannot be expected to fund that entirely. 

Keep it to the Hart Media Group in the weeks ahead as we hear from more area superintendents and get their reactions to funding cuts to mandated categoricals from the State of Illinois. 

Learn more about Heyworth Schools by visiting husd4.org or by finding them on Facebook.