The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is asking educators, parents, students, and community organizations to give their input on state funding for public education. ISBE is accepting testimony in writing and at three virtual budget hearings in October. ISBE wants to hear from communities across the state about what investments will best support student learning, improve learning conditions, and elevate educators, especially as schools continue to face the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals wishing to participate must submit their testimony in writing by completing the online form at www.isbe.net/budget. Individuals are welcome also to speak at one of three virtual budget hearings. ISBE will give equal consideration to all written and oral testimony. ISBE will host virtual hearings:

• 4-7 p.m. Oct. 7 (Registration deadline: 11:59 p.m., Oct. 4)

• 1-4 p.m. Oct. 14 (Registration deadline: 11:59 p.m., Oct. 11)

• 1-4 p.m. Oct. 16 (Registration deadline: 11:59 p.m., Oct. 11)

Several state agencies and boards have partnered to create a map of drive-up Wi-Fi hotspot locations around the state at www.ildceo.net/wifi to enable anyone who needs such access to participate in the virtual hearings. Contact the ISBE superintendent’s office by phone at (217) 782-2221 or by TTY/TDD at (217) 782-1900.