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Proviso teachers’ union urges board to advocate for full federal education funding
Summary
John Wertzani, president of Local 571, urged the Proviso 209 Board of Education to support full federal funding for Title I and special education after members wore blue in solidarity on March 4.
John Wertzani, identified himself as “president of teachers representative of Local 571,” used the board’s public-comment period to ask the Proviso Township High School District 209 Board of Education to advocate for continued or increased federal education funding, citing potential harms if funds were cut.
Wertzani said Illinois received about $1.2 billion in Title I funds in 2024 and nearly $1 billion for the education of students with disabilities. He warned that a loss of federal funding would force districts to reduce staff, cut support services, increase class sizes and threaten programs such as after-school tutoring and mental-health services.
“These funds are essential for schools serving many children from low income families,” Wertzani said. “Imagine the scenario where Illinois loses federal funding. The impact would be devastating.” He asked the board to “stand with us in this fight, advocating for continuation and expansion of federal funding for education using your voices.”
Wertzani also noted union solidarity actions: staff wore blue on March 4 as a public expression of concern about federal funding.
Why it matters: Title I and federal special-education dollars support staff and services that many districts, including Proviso 209, use to serve students from lower-income backgrounds and students with disabilities. Cuts to federal funding could require districts to reallocate local funds or reduce services.
Board response: The board received the comment during the appointed public-comment period. There was no formal board action at the March 11 meeting in response to the request; the superintendent and board members acknowledged receipt of the public comment.
Quote from the meeting: “We urge you as members of the school board to stand with us in this fight, advocating for continuation and expansion of federal funding for education,” Wertzani said.
Ending: The union request is a public appeal for the board to support federal funding at the local advocacy level; any formal advocacy or resolution would require future board action.
