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GOVERNOR SIGNS LEGISLATION TO RELEASE TECHNOLOGY FUNDS FOR SCHOOLS
SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. George H. Ryan today signed legislation that frees up the first payments from the new School Technology Revolving Loan Program, an initiative that eventually will provide $30 million annually to help schools throughout Illinois meet their technology needs.
This legislation clarifies the state's authority to expend funds under this loan program, enabling the initial distribution of more than $9 million in loans to 77 elementary schools. Senate Bill 22 contains new language that allows public school districts access to the low-interest loans previously allocated by the General Assembly.
"Schools throughout the state are waiting on these funds," said Ryan who signed the bill within hours of receiving it. "I am pleased to sign this legislation and remove the barrier that had prevented schools from improving their technology systems."
"I'm very pleased that the Governor and General Assembly were able to resolve this important issue," said Comptroller Dan Hynes. "The Comptroller's Office is putting a high priority on expediting release of the funds that will allow school districts to make critical computer purchases."
The $30 million is first-year funding for the School Technology Revolving Loan Program. The program sets up a "revolving" loan system that makes certain grade levels eligible for loans on a three-year rotating basis. Kindergarten through fourth grades are eligible in year one (FY 1999) and each third year thereafter. Fifth through eighth grades are eligible in year two (FY 2000) and each third year thereafter. Ninth through twelfth grades are eligible in year three (FY 2001) and each third year thereafter.
The loan program is designed specifically for school technology improvements. Expenditures may include the establishment of local and area wide computer networks; electrical work directly related to technology; hardware necessary for classroom instruction and staff development; or other technology investments directly related to classroom instruction.
The School Technology Loan Program is administered through the Illinois State Board of Education.
Senate Bill 22 was sponsored by Senators Bomke (R-Springfield) and Watson (R-Greenville) in the Senate and Representatives Mike Madigan (D-Chicago), Gary Hannig (D-Litchfield), Julie Curry (D-Mt. Zion), Tom Ryder (R-Jerseyville) and Jerry Mitchell (R-Sterling) in the House.
A list of loan recipients is attached.
School District: | County: | Amount: |
Oak Park Elementary School District #97 | Cook | 478,000 |
Union Ridge School District #86 | Cook | 20,000 |
Dolton School District #149 | Cook | 285,100 |
Lincoln Elementary School District #156 | Cook | 89,800 |
Gen Geo Patton School District #133 | Cook | 74,500 |
Calumet City School District #155 | Cook | 118,450 |
Calument Public School District #132 | Cook | 118,000 |
Ridgeland School District #122 | Cook | 189,700 |
Palos Heights School District #128 | Cook | 83,650 |
Oak Lawn-Hometown School District #123 | Cook | 186,000 |
Midlothian School District #143 | Cook | 171,700 |
Mokena School District #159 | Will | 196,450 |
Queen Bee School District #16 | DuPage | 203,000 |
LaGrange Highlands School District #106 | Cook | 94,450 |
Big Hollow School District #38 | Lake | 68,050 |
Community ConsolidatedSchool District #59 | Cook | 573,100 |
Prospect Heights School District #23 | Cook | 165,250 |
Mount Prospect School District #57 | Cook | 174,850 |
Lake Villa Community Consolidated School District #41 | Cook | 243,000 |
Alden-Hebron School District #19 | McHenry | 54,400 |
Crystal Lake Community Consolidated School District | McHenry | 684,850 |
Johnsburg Community Unit School District #12 | McHenry | 127,750 |
Central Community Unit School District #301 | Kane | 146,050 |
Genoa Kingston Community Unit School District #424 | DeKalb | 57,800 |
Kings Consolidated School District #144 | Ogle | 36,000 |
Harlem Consolidated School District #122 | Winnebago | 427,750 |
Sycamore Community Unit School District #427 | DeKalb | 120,660 |
River Bend Community Unit School District #2 | Whiteside | 90,000 |
Westmer Community Unit School District #203 | Mercer | 61,600 |
River Ridge Community Unit School District #210 | Jo Daviess | 56,050 |
Scales Mound Community Unit School District #211 | Jo Davies | 40,300 |
Forrestville Valley Unity School District #221 | Ogle | 89,050 |
Utica Elementary School District #135 | LaSalle | 30,000 |
Spring Valley Elementary District #99 | Bureau | 83,650 |
Sunnybrook School District #171 | Cook | 132,400 |
Chaney-Monge School District #88 | Will | 60,550 |
Plainfield Community Consolidated School District #202 | Will | 517,600 |
Plano Community Unit School District #88 | Kendall | 105,100 |
Richland School District #88A | Will | 46,300 |
Fairmont School District #89 | Will | 59,500 |
Rockdale School District #84 | Will | 47,800 |
Manhattan School District #114 | Will | 92,500 |
Central Community Unit School District #4 | Iroquois | 76,000 |
El Paso Community Unit School District #375 | Woodford | 27,131 |
Olympia Community Unit School District #16 | McLean | 158,350 |
Lexington Community Unit School District #7 | McLean | 15,000 |
Lostant Community School District #425 | LaSalle | 33,400 |
Deer Creek-Mackinaw CUSD #701 | Tazewell | 72,850 |
Lincoln Elementary School District #27 | Logan | 125,000 |
Elmwood Community Unit School District #322 | Peoria | 61,450 |
Annawan Community Unit School District #226 | Henry | 51,100 |
Princeville Community Unit School District #326 | Peoria | 60,000 |
Griggsville-Perry Community Unit School District #4 | Pike | 52,450 |
Pana Community Unit School District #8 | Christian | 108,100 |
Illiopolis Community Unit School District #12 | Sangamon | 40,750 |
Rochester Community Unit School District #3A | Sangamon | 114,700 |
Cerro Gordo Community Unit School District #100 | Piatt | 57,850 |
Shelbyville Community Unit School District #4 | Shelby | 5,000 |
Thomasboro Community Consolidated School District | Champaign | 48,250 |
Oakland Community Unit School District #5 | Coles | 51,250 |
Rossville-Alvin Community Unit School District #7 | Vermilion | 30,000 |
Hamilton County Community Unit School District #10 | Hamilton | 100,750 |
Damiansville School District #62 | Clinton | 35,650 |
Grand Prairie Community Consolidated School District | Jefferson | 34,000 |
St. Rose School District 14 & 15 | Clinton | 43,900 |
Triad Community Unit School District #2 | Madison | 80,500 |
Willow Grove School District #46 | Clinton | 30,850 |
Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 | Madison | 181,150 |
Colinsville Community Unit School District #10 | Madison | 337,000 |
High Mount School District #116 | St. Clair | 60,550 |
Whiteside School District #115 | St. Clair | 103,600 |
Nashville Community Consolidated School District #49 | Washington | 65,650 |
Smithton Community Consolidated School District #130 | St. Clair | 53,500 |
Jonesboro Community Consolidated School District #43 | Union | 63,100 |
Anna Community Consolidated School District #37 | Union | 52,917 |
Goreville Community Unit District #1 | Johnson | 59,500 |
Sesser-Valler Community Unit School District #196 | Franklin | 50,000 |
Total: | $9,281,958 |
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