What the 2026 Illinois State Budget Means for Schools - IPA Talk

February 23, 2026  22 min

The 2026 Illinois state budget, evidence-based funding, and a proposed cell phone ban are front and center in this IPA Talk episode. Executive Director Jason Leahy and Government & Public Relations Director Allison Maley break down what school leaders need to know.

In this episode, you’ll hear:
•What the proposed $305 million evidence-based funding increase means
•Key legislative proposals, including graduation mandates and a bell-to-bell cell phone ban
•How principals can stay engaged during session

This is an IPA Talk episode focused on practical legislative updates for school leaders across Illinois.

Links
Subscribe:
https://www.youtube.com/@IllinoisPrincipalsAssociation?sub_confirmation=1

Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCjd05N0Zv_LkA_TaQS5w0ekHV_fHq9vN

00:00 Budget Overview
02:22 Education Funding Highlights
07:18 Budget Process Explained
10:07 Cell Phone Ban Proposal
13:59 New Mandates & Graduation Requirements
19:23 Advocacy & Principal Engagement

#IPALeaders #IllinoisEducation #SchoolLeadership #IPATalk