According to a press release from the Sesser-Valier Community Unit School 196 District Superintendent Jason Henry, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has restored funding for the Teen REACH after-school program grant.
A notice issued by the department informed the school district the IDHS will “cover the cost of operations,” and continue meeting its previously contracted obligations.
The school reinstated the program on Wednesday, April 29 after the Sesser city council voted to donate just under $4,000 to the school for the continuation of the program. Now that the state has restored funding for the remainder of the fiscal year, which ends June 30, the school will refund the city’s donation.
The restoration of funding, however, only ensures funding for the remainder of fiscal year 2015, and makes no promise or indication about funding for fiscal year 2016.
In the press release, the Sesser-Valier superintendent expressed concern about other funding shortages from the state.
“Despite this program restoration, the State of Illinois is continuing in its failure to fully fund its financial obligations to schools across the state, including our school district. Specifically, the state has failed to pay our school district $1,351,724 during the four most recent fiscal years. This loss of revenue has and will continue to negatively impact school programs,” Henry said in the release.
