Gov. Blagojevich has proposed a $440 million increase in funding for K-12 education to take place by 2006.

The Higher Standards Better Schools plan will increase funding and raise graduation requirements for all Illinois public schools, said Gerardo Cardenas, the governor’s Chicago press secretary.

“It’s essential for Illinois to have better students to compete in today’s complex economy,” Cardenas said.

The HSBS will bring public schools to the same level of education, he said.

All students will be required to complete three years of math, two years of science, at least two writing intensive courses and four years of English to graduate from high school.

High school students across the nation are not prepared enough for college or the work force, Cardenas said.

While no one will contest that funding education is important, some do not agree with Blagojevich’s plan.

State Rep. Robert Pritchard (R-Hinckley) said he is not convinced Blagojevich is raising the standards.

Some schools already require the minimum Blagojevich is presenting, Pritchard said.

The governor is trying to get publicity for a feel good bill, Pritchard said.

If schools want to improve their student quality they should seek businesses, community colleges and government funding to explore what options are available to improving the learning process, he said.

Increasing graduation requirements in high schools could pose a problem when it comes to available teachers.

Larry Stinson, DeKalb high school principal, said he thinks raising the standards is a great way to prep students for college and careers but is concerned about staffing issues.

“If every student is required to take more classes before they graduate, we will need teachers available to teach them,” Stinson said.