ISBE rates school districts on their fund balance and expenditure-to-revenue ratios, days of cash on hand, and percentage of remaining short- and long-term borrowing ability.
Of Illinois' 852 school districts, 640, or 75 percent, earned the state's "Financial Recognition" designation, suggesting they are fiscally sound.
The other 25 percent statewide, or 212 districts, received lower marks from ISBE, suggesting they need work:
147 (17 percent) are under "Financial Review"
43 (5 percent) were given an "Early Warning"
22 (3 percent) are under "Financial Watch"
In Bureau County, 7 of the county's 13 school districts (54 percent) earned the "Financial Recognition" designation.
Two districts - Dalzell SD 98 and DePue USD 103 - were placed under "Early Warning"
Three districts - Bureau Valley CUSD 340, Princeton ESD 115 and Spring Valley CCSD 99 - were placed under "Financial Review"
Cherry SD 92 was the only district placed under "Financial Watch"
ISBE's "School District Financial Profile" was first issued in 2003.
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