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 LaSalle County, 20 of the county's 26 school districts (77 percent) earned the "Financial Recognition" designation.
Ottawa ESD 141 was the only district placed under "Early Warning"
Four districts - La Salle-Peru Twp HSD 120, Mendota CCSD 289, Peru ESD 124 and Wallace CCSD 195 - were placed under "Financial Review"
Streator ESD 44 was the only district placed under "Financial Watch"
ISBE's "School District Financial Profile" was first issued in 2003.
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