A plan to change the funding formula for schools is gaining momentum in Springfield. Pana School Superintendent Dr. David Lett supports the plan, which would likely provide more money in poorer districts.  He says the current formula doesn't address the growing rate of poverty in downstate school districts. 

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Senator Andy Manar is proposing a single funding formula that will even-out the playing field when it comes to dishing out state money to schools.  It calls for more than 90-percent of the state's education dollars to go to schools based on their needs.  Funding would be determined using a weighted system that will take into account the characteristics of each local school district, such as the percentage of students living in poverty.  The bill was voted out of subcommittee and is expected to go before a full senate panel soon.