Gridlock in the state legislature is holding up the distribution of $400 million in education funds destined for schools across the state, said State Rep. Bob Pritchard (R-Hinckley) at DeKalb’s school board meeting last night.

Partisan arguments in the legislature is delaying the release of certain funds, he said.

“I’m ashamed to report there is no clear budget outlined,” Pritchard said.

Tom Teresinski, school board vice president, said he’s not surprised. The legislature approved capital funds for the school board three years ago, but it was never released, Teresinski said.

Pritchard said similar and larger amounts also were postponed.

Again in 2004, the legislature promised $200 million in education funds, but it was never released from the governor’s office, he said.

Consequently, DeKalb’s board members said they are losing faith in the state legislature. On top of this, Pritchard said the legislature has not held a single budget meeting to discuss dispersal of these funds.

Board President Andy Small agreed, but added, “The community needs to take care of our own. The state’s not going to take care of our own.”

Small said he supported DeKalb’s representation in state legislature because of his close cooperation with Pritchard, but he can’t let the district rely on the slow progression and disagreement of the rest of legislature.

However, DeKalb’s budget is on track, said MeriAnn Besonen, assistant superintendent of business and finance.

DeKalb is eight months into budget and still on target, she said.

Certain fears dwelled over a rise in utility bills, but the current figure is only 3 percent over the anticipated 5 percent increase. And despite legislative gridlock, DeKalb is still receiving and dispensing education grants.

Also in money matters, the city recently accepted a $12,035 grant from the DeKalb Education Foundation and approved the release of a $125,000 grant to the DeKalb Migrant Program. Last summer, students ranging from grades pre-K through 12 took advantage of the bilingual program to improve English and literacy skills in their new environment.

Migrant Program Coordinator Jenny Elias said the program is in financial need to support the 92 students enrolled. The program lost 12 members last year and possibly will lose 30 this year because of budget-based requirements.