LM Feb 2025

Making a Diffe Kishwaukee Region Harvard CUSD #50 Dr. Corey Tafoya, superintendent Abe Lincoln Region Riverton CUSD #14 Dr. Brad Polanin, superintendent

We’re a district east of Springfield with 1,200 students in pre-K through 12, plus a birth-to-three program for 60 children. We face challenges due to socioeconomic factors, leading to higher special education needs and student mobility. However, we have dedicated staff who truly want to make a difference in students’ lives. When I started as a middle school science teacher in 2010, we soon faced severe budget cuts. In 2013, the board cut 20-25 percent of our entire staff. When EBF passed in 2017, our adequacy percentage was below 60 percent. By FY25, we reached 75.3%, receiving an average of $400,000-$450,000 annually in additional state funding. This has allowed us to rebuild our workforce and improve retention rates through more competitive positions. 75 % in FY 2025 57 % in FY 2018 We’ve reduced overcrowded class sizes and improved instruction by adding coaches at each building and a curriculum director. We’ve restored programs like middle school art and added new ones, including a full associates degree program where students graduate with college credits. We’ve also increased academic and behavioral support, added special education positions and improved building maintenance. These EBF funds have helped prevent a funding cliff as pandemic relief expires. We’ve reduced overcrowded class sizes and improved instruction by adding coaches at each building and a curriculum director. We’ve restored programs like middle school art and added new ones, including a full associates degree program where students graduate with college credits. We’ve also increased academic and behavioral support, added special education positions and improved building maintenance. These EBF funds have helped prevent a funding cliff as pandemic relief expires.

     Harvard CUSD #50 is a unit district serving pre-K to age 22. We have five school sites in McHenry County plus an active transition program. We were the lowest adequacy of any unit school district in Illinois when the numbers first came out. Things were much harder than necessary compared to neighboring districts. We faced challenges with both personnel shortages and facility needs. We operated with minimal staffing, and while facilities were adequate, we had major needs we were only addressing with temporary solutions. 72 % in FY 2025 50 % in FY 2018 Evidence-based funding has allowed us to dramatically improve our situation. We’re seeing benefits in both facilities and student achievement. We’ve implemented K-12 social-emotional supports and added instructional coaches, enhancing professional development for staff. This has contributed to growth in our scores. Combined with COVID relief dollars, we’ve made significant facility improvements. The district is experiencing renewed pride in both academic performance and facilities. As a Tier 1 district, we still have work ahead, particularly in serving our English Language Learners — a primary driver of our EBF dollars. We’re not yet at full capacity to serve these students effectively. We’re looking to invest in both personnel and technology to support our English learners and newcomers, but these improvements depend on continued Evidence-Based Funding. Currently, fitting these needs into our budget remains challenging.

Describe your school district.

Before EBF, what was the situation in your school district?

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Percent of Adequacy then and now?

Biggest impact EBF has had on your district?

How will a continuous investment in EBF help you improve educational outcomes?

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LM Feb 2025