South Central residents would pay $96,947,224 more in state income taxes if the state agrees to increase school funding by $7.2 billion, according to a South Central Reporter analysis of Illinois Department of Revenue data.
About 28 percent of Northwestern Junior High School students passed annual English language arts assessments in 2017 and nearly three quarters of students failed.
Academic results data released recently reveals 20 percent of Northwestern Junior High School students are considered on track for the next grade level.
Grade school districts in Odin, Kell and Ashley ranked among South Central Illinois' lowest for math aptitude, according to the Illinois State Board of Education.
Six Illinois Republican lawmakers have moved to block a bill Gov. Bruce Rauner signed in August exempting illegal immigrants from being deported if local authorities apprehend them on unrelated matters.
Grade school districts in Bartelso, Germantown and Aviston ranked among South Central Illinois' highest for math aptitude, according to the Illinois State Board of Education.