Local school districts should not expect any reassurance from Illinois school Superintendent Chris Koch about finances.

“In fact, the opposite is true,” he said. “If we don’t, again, fix the systemic problems that are taking place in the state right now, we’re going to be in worse shape as time goes on. That’s been proven every year, repeatedly. So we’ve got to address it.”

Those local school leaders are concerned the state will push teacher pension costs onto them. The final decision could come in a special session this summer, pending the outcome of discussions involving the governor and top lawmakers.

Koch says he is far from unsympathetic: “Believe me, I’ve gone to many schools across Illinois with marquees that say, “State, Pay Your Bills.”