Four Southern Illinois school districts are among 100 statewide sharing $15 million through Illinois’ Teacher Vacancy Grant program.
The Illinois State Board of Education says the funding is targeted toward districts with the greatest teacher shortages. The 100 selected districts account for 77% of the state’s teacher vacancies, despite representing only 12% of Illinois school districts.
Locally, Hamilton County CUSD 10 will receive $91,692. Bluford Unit School District 318 in Jefferson County, Eldorado CUSD 4 in Saline County and Thompsonville CUSD 174 in Franklin County will each receive $58,346.
Districts can use the money for recruitment and retention efforts, including signing bonuses, retention stipends, tuition reimbursement, professional development, mentoring programs and special education teacher incentives.
ISBE says the program is showing results. Since it began in Fiscal Year 2023, teacher vacancy rates among participating districts have declined from 4.6% to 3.2%.
State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders says the funding is designed to direct resources to schools with the greatest staffing needs and help more students gain access to qualified teachers.