May LM 2019 Special Issue_press

Message From the Executive Director EBFIsMakingaDifference;WithSteadyFunding ItCouldBeTransformativeforStudents

Dr. Brent Clark

and how they no longer were in cost-cutting mode and could restore positions and add new programs—all benefitting students. STEM programs were created, social workers and counselors hired, class sizes reduced, electives restored and student safety improved, all as a result of just two years of additional state funding. But, superintendents also shared that the work isn’t finished. If school districts were able to accomplish this in just two years of additional funds, just think what could happen if all districts reached adequate funding levels? These dollars are already making a difference and could be transformative for a diverse set of students across the state if the formula is properly funded over time. Yours for better schools,

The passage of the Evidence-Based Funding Model in August, 2017, was a significant achievement that truly was a joint effort by legislators and public education stakeholders, who all agreed Illinois needed to create a more equitable and adequate funding system to meet the needs of a diverse set of students. Since its passage, how has the new formula made a difference in schools? IASA set out to answer that question in a series we first introduced in August. In “Leadership Matters,” we spoke with 10 superintendents across Illinois and shared how their districts used EBF dollars to improve learning for students. We then continued each month with five more stories. We are now pleased to announce we have told the stories of 50 school districts from all corners of the state, including from urban, rural and suburban environments. What is abundantly clear is that EBF has made a difference. Superintendents told us the new formula was a “godsend”

Special Edition May 2019 LeadershipMatters 19067 Jason Nevel Assistant Director of Communications jnevel@iasaedu.org

www.iasaedu.org

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