School districts across the country continue to struggle with the impact of teacher shortages. Illinois schools have reported 3,558 open positions this school year. Gov. JB Pritzker unveiled a new initiative Friday to tackle the issue with a new $210 million investment over the next three years.

According to our news partners at WAND TV, 170 school districts could receive teacher pipeline grants through the Fiscal Year 2024 budget. The Pritzker administration chose the specific school districts as they account for 80% of the state’s unfilled teaching positions. The vacancies are concentrated in high-need subjects such as bilingual education, special education, and STEM.

Pritzker’s three-year plan could allow the districts to use grant funding to offer signing bonuses, down-payment assistance, or loan repayments.

State lawmakers would need to approve the initial $70 million investment for this program in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget before the spring session ends in May.

The Springfield-Menard Regional Office of Education reported 99 unfilled position.