CHICAGO, IL — Governor JB Pritzker has championed policies that uplift public schools and educators across the state. Because of his leadership, Illinois is now ranked fifth in the nation for pre-K-12 education.
While Donald Trump attacks public education, Gov. Pritzker is fighting every day for Illinois students and educators. Over the last eight years, Illinois increased access to preschool and early childhood education services, lifted eighth-grade math and reading scores above the national average, achieved the highest high school graduation rate in 15 years, and hit a decade-high public university enrollment of nearly 190,000 students. His FAFSA mandate has helped students receive financial aid, with Illinois reaching its highest-ever FAFSA completion rate.
Gov. Pritzker filled teacher vacancies by hiring more than 12,000 teachers and retaining more than 15,000 teachers during the 2024-2025 school year and quadrupling their minimum starting salary. He also passed a statewide school cellphone ban to keep students free from distractions.
In just five days, Illinoisans will choose between Darren Bailey, an extremist who voted against education funding and opposed giving Illinois teachers a fair wage, and Gov. Pritzker, a leader who secured record funding for K-12 schools and expanded access to public education.
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CONTACT: press@jbpritzkercampaign.com