Working for Illinois Caucus

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Rockford Public Schools students hammered lawmakers about issues regarding public education in Rockford.

The session was part of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council’s fifth annual legislative luncheon. During the luncheon, students from Rockford Public Schools’ Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council had the chance and ask a panel of lawmakers questions related to the future of education.

Legislators who attended were Illinois State Senator Steve Stadelman, and Illinois State Representatives Dave Vella and Maurice West.

“Having that conversation with our students at the end was the best part. The fact that their questions were thoughtful and engaged makes me feel like we’re gonna be in good hands in the future,” said Rep. West.

School board member June Stanford hopes the event gives teens more confidence and gives them a chance to have their voices heard.

“It’s great for them. It’s great experience public speaking, speaking in front of peers and adults it’s a great experience all around,” said Stanford.

The students’ questions covered a wide range of topics like transportation funding and mental health resources, although leaders say the Trump Administration’s plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, means there’s a lot of uncertainty with where funding for these types of programs could come from.

Rep. West sympathized with the students, saying he can only handle things within Illinois; at the federal level, his hands are tied.

“I’m going to be a voice to ensure that we know any funding that goes to our young people is not an expense, it’s an investment,” said West.

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