$400 million allocated for school facility improvements in Illinois

Public schools in Illinois will receive $400 million from the Illinois Jobs Now! capital program to construct new buildings, expand existing ones and replace outdated energy systems. Gov. Pat Quinn says in a news release that 24 districts will receive funding from the program this fiscal year: $307 million for school construction, $50 million for maintenance, $25 million to alleviate crowding and $20 million to boost energy efficiency. The Chicago school system will receive the largest amount--$89 million.