HB 2668

Abstract

Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to develop child opportunity zones as a means to deliver comprehensive and coordinated social services at or near schools in this State that are related to specific community needs and that will ultimately increase student performance in schools in the community; defines "child opportunity zone". Provides that a child opportunity zone must provide a means to integrate education, health, and social services into schools and link families to school and community resources. Provides that on or before August 1, 2020, and on or before each August 1 thereafter, the State Board must submit a report to the General Assembly on the number of children and families served by a child opportunity zone program and any other outcome data for each program. Requires the State Board to adopt rules. State Mandates Fiscal Note (Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity) This bill does not create a State mandate. Fiscal Note (State Board of Education) HB 2668 is estimated to have a fiscal impact of $15.1 million on the General Revenue Fund budget for the Illinois State Board of Education. This assumes approximately $80,000 to $100,000 in operational costs for one position to coordinate the child opportunity zone functions with school districts, community-based providers, other state agencies, local officials, community colleges, and other adult education and workforce training providers. The position would also complete required reporting. It also assumes $15 million in grant funds would be appropriated to the Illinois State Board of Education to make funding available to provide assistance and supports to the child opportunity zones. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Changes the definition of "child opportunity zone" to mean a coordinated system of early childhood education (rather than a site at or near a school that provides early childhood education). Provides that, subject to appropriation, the State Board of Education, in cooperation with regional superintendents of schools, school districts, and other State and community agencies (rather than only the State Board), must develop child opportunity zones as a means to deliver comprehensive and coordinated social services in this State (rather than delivering them at or near schools in this State) that are related to specific community needs and that will ultimately increase student performance in schools in the community. Provides that in addition to funds appropriated by the General Assembly, the State Board may use funds appropriated by the General Assembly for other grant programs to implement child opportunity zone programs. Makes other changes.