CHICAGO—Educational groups across the state are forming a coalition to work together in support of a state-wide tax increase needed to fund and strengthen all levels of education in Illinois.

After a joint meeting of the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Illinois State Board of Education Tuesday, directors of both boards announced the coalition’s formation, which will be comprised of a variety of educational organizations throughout the state.

“The coalition of education groups will reach out across the state and carry a very simple message; that is, the economic vitality and development of the state is tied to elementary, secondary and higher education,” said Ted Sanders, State Superintendent of Education.

“We, as the educational community, have clearly recognized that if we are to improve and maintain our educational systems, it will require a state tax increase,” Sanders said.

This is the first time the IBHE and the State Board of Education have met in joint session and are working together for a single goal, he said. “Standing here together represents our combined commitment to education,” Sanders said.

IBHE Executive Director Richard Wagner said the need for a greater investment in education is reflected in the Illinois rankings of educational achievement. He said Illinois ranked 32nd in the percentage of adults who have completed high school, 31st in the percentage who completed some college and 25th in the percentage who completed four or more years of college.

“As a state that aspires to be among the nation’s leading states economically, we need improvements in our educational system, and we need new levels of support from the state,” Wagner said.

Wagner also said in terms of tax burden, Illinois ranks as the seventh lowest in the nation. “Clearly, Illinois has the capacity to make a greater investment in education. The future of our state demands that the investment be made.”

Board of Regents Chancellor Roderick Groves said Regent members will be part of the coalition. “The BOR will be participants in a grass-roots movement, and draw upon the resources of each university system, alumni, parents, students and university supporters. The board members will put together an effort to go down to various constituency groups which have supported elements of education, ” he said.