Local State Senator Neil Anderson of Andalusia supporting legislation unveiled by the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus. The Senators’ legislative package aims to empower parents with new bills designed to allow them greater access to school curriculums and a voice in statewide educational decisions.
Anderson says Senate Bill 4180 adds five new positions to the Illinois State Board of Education. Currently, all members of the state board are appointed by the Governor, meaning the individual members aren’t held directly accountable to voters. He says those members make far-reaching decisions on school curriculums, health and safety requirements, and how mandates affect schools. The new legislation creates one board member per judicial district, elected by voters and thus directly accountable to families in local districts.