ISBE unveils health incentive funds for schools

Posted on January 11, 2016

Illinois State Schools superintendent Tony Smith has unveiled a new proposal intended to improve students’ health. (WJBC File Photo)

By Dave Dahl/Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – Schools in Illinois would have an easier time working with other organizations to try to get some money for good-living programs, under a new initiative from the new superintendent.

Illinois State Superintendent of Education Tony Smith is talking about the $15 million Healthy Community Incentive Fund.

“There’s a lot of research that suggests that when public, private, and philanthropic agencies are aligned, kids and families do better, but it’s really hard to start those things,” Smith said. “We are putting a new kind of strategy there; it pulls together things that people have been asking for the last few years, and we’re framing it as a Healthy Community Incentive Fund.”

Smith announced this community partnership support during the Illinois State Board of Education budget presentation.

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