Two of Illinois’s regional superintendents were recently tasked with recommending ways the state can funnel new money to schools for at-risk students, and other alternative school programs.

Gov. Bruce Rauner said he wants to expand the University of Illinois system with billions of dollars from private investors. Rauner shared his plan with students and staff at the U of I’s Urbana campus during a tour of the university's electrical and computer engineering building on Wednesday. 

Private school scholarships for low-income students will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis, and the application process is set to open at the end of this month. At least one private school official says he wishes that launch date were delayed to give schools more time to educate staff and the parent community about the process.

Superintendents say the bill isn't perfect, but they are happy schools will stay open this year.