ISBE started profiling the financial health of the state's school districts in 2003, using experts to evaluate five areas: fund-balance-to-revenue ratio, expenditure-to-revenue ratio, days cash on hand, percentage of short-term borrowing ability remaining, and percentage of long-term borrowing ability remaining. The results are combined into a score, which corresponds with one of four designations.
Districts that score between 1 and 2.61 are on "financial watch"; between 2.62 and 3.07 - "financial warning"; between 3.08 and 3.53 - "financial review" and between 3.54 and 4.00 - "financial recognition".
Twelve Illinois school districts fell into the lowest financial strength category.
Chicago school districts financial health
Rank
District
County
Score
Designation
1
Rosemont Elementary School District 78
Cook
4.0
Recognition
2
Chicago SD 299 School District
Cook
2.7
Early Warning
Alerts Sign-up