West Cook News

Eric Su, a candidate for House District 21, has emphasized the need for Illinois to redirect education funding towards classrooms and student outcomes while promoting innovation through vocational and STEM programs. This statement was made during an interview.

"Illinois cannot keep funding education the same way and expect different results," said Su. "We need a system that prioritizes our students, not just the size of the bureaucracy. Funding should be more transparent, tied directly to classroom outcomes, and focused on giving every child—no matter their zip code—access to quality teachers, up-to-date materials, and safe learning environments. Illinois must invest in our kids first, not in red tape or political favors."

In 2024, Illinois' school funding system became a focal point of debate as state leaders deliberated whether increases in Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) were sufficient to address gaps left by the expiration of federal pandemic aid. Advocates contended that the existing formula still leaves under-resourced districts below adequacy levels, despite lawmakers approving only modest new investments. According to Advance Illinois, the FY25 budget considered educational needs but failed to resolve equity and adequacy gaps.

Illinois allocates more funds per student compared to many states but continues to face funding disparities. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that national per-pupil spending in FY2023 averaged $16,526, while the Illinois Association of School Boards indicated that the state's FY2024 Operating Expense Per Pupil stood at $17,340. This positions Illinois above the national average, reflecting both its higher costs and funding priorities.

The current funding model results in uneven achievement outcomes among Illinois students. According to the Illinois State Board of Education’s 2024 Report Card, English Language Arts scores for grades 3–8 reached their highest level since 2019; however, math recovery lagged behind and chronic absenteeism remained high. The Center for Tax and Budget Accountability also noted that adequacy gaps are larger for Latinx and low-income students, indicating persistent inequities.

Su is a husband, father, small-business owner, and lifelong resident of Illinois who has spent over two decades helping people improve their health and confidence through his fitness business. A Purdue graduate and youth football coach, he has mentored children, supported families, and developed community programs that unite neighbors. Su is running for State Representative with a focus on key family concerns: reducing property taxes, enhancing school outcomes, supporting law enforcement, and ensuring transparent and accountable government spending.

Illinois House District 21 encompasses parts of Chicago’s Southwest Side along with nearby suburbs such as Bedford Park, Berwyn, Bridgeview, Brookfield, Cicero, La Grange, North Riverside, Riverside, and Summit. The seat is currently held by Representative Abdelnasser Rashid who was elected in 2022. According to his official district page, this area is home to diverse working- and middle-class communities facing both economic and education-related challenges.