ISBE rates school districts on their fund balance and expenditure-to-revenue ratios, days of cash on hand, and percentage of remaining short- and long-term borrowing ability.
Of Illinois' 852 school districts, 640, or 75 percent, earned the state's "Financial Recognition" designation, suggesting they are fiscally sound.
The other 25 percent statewide, or 212 districts, received lower marks from ISBE, suggesting they need work:
147 (17 percent) are under "Financial Review"
43 (5 percent) were given an "Early Warning"
22 (3 percent) are under "Financial Watch"
In Madison County, 5 of the county's 13 school districts (38 percent) earned the "Financial Recognition" designation.
Three districts - Bethalto CUSD 8, Madison CUSD 12 and Triad CUSD 2 - were placed under "Early Warning"
Three districts - Collinsville CUSD 10, East Alton SD 13 and Highland CUSD 5 - were placed under "Financial Review"
Two districts - Alton CUSD 11 and Edwardsville CUSD 7 - were placed under "Financial Watch"
ISBE's "School District Financial Profile" was first issued in 2003.
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