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Regional school chiefs pleased pay might be coming

SPRINGFIELD (AP) - Regional school superintendents in Illinois are happy they might soon get paid for the first time since June.

The Senate sent legislation to Gov. Pat Quinn on Thursday that would allow dipping into local property tax funds to come up with approximately $12 million to pay schools chiefs through June.

The educators and their assistants in 44 regional education offices have had to work for free since Quinn eliminated funding for their salaries in July. He says there isn't enough money in the budget and the offices aren't necessary.

Bob Daiber is president of the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools. He says the executives are pleased that legislators "see our value" to public education.