LM Jan 2020

Series Part XIII

Difference ... cont’d.

multiple priorities that have resulted in student growth and overall district improvement. The new state money is part of a mix of federal dollars and competitive grants the district has leveraged to update curriculum, provide professional development to staff, update technology, hire a social worker, provide math intervention, make safety updates and improve the district’s financial rating. The multi-faceted approach was necessary because, being a small Tier 1 district, so many areas needed improvement. For example, the district’s K–8 English and language arts curriculum hadn’t been updated since 1993. The math curriculum was newer but wasn’t aligned with Illinois’ new learning standards. “We have involved our teachers in helping us purchase new materials that are aligned to standards and then also provided teachers with professional development to go along with the new materials,” said Superintendent Dr. Janice Rashid. “As a result, we have seen a 6 percentage point increase in both ELA and math from 2018 PARCC to 2019 Illinois Assessment of Readiness.” Technology upgrades include purchasing new Chromebooks in grades 3–8 and iPads for grades K–2. The security updates include new interior and exterior cameras, as well as updated security panels and keyless entry doors. The district’s financial rating went from Review to Recognition status as a result of the combination of EBF and strategic financial planning. “If we didn’t have EBF, the district would have continued to struggle to update curriculum, programs and services for students,” (remove-to eliminate programs and reduce staff,)” Rashid said. “Instead, we’ve been able to move forward on much-needed priorities, so that our opportunities for students, families and staff are in more alignment to what other Illinois school districts provide.” Continued support of EBF would... If the state continues to invest in EBF, River Grove SD #85.5 would seek to improve the learning environment for students. The district’s one school was built in 1929 and is in need of updating the heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing, lighting and flooring. EBF dollars would be used as a match for construction grants to update the building. In addition, the district plans to update its social studies and science curriculum, as well as explore ways to continue to make the building safer.

Indian Prairie CUSD #204

Enrollment: 27,408 FY18: $731,678 FY20: $970,118 Type: preK–12 FY19: $763,166 How EBF has made a difference The passage of the Evidence-Based Funding Formula brought an influx of new teachers and mental health coordinators to Indian Prairie CUSD #204. The new state funds made it possible for the fourth largest school district in the state to hire 17 elementary teachers at buildings that house predominantly low-income students. Doing so ensured classroom sizes in those buildings remained below 30 students. “We looked hard at where the money would have the biggest impact on student achievement,” Superintendent Dr. Karen Sullivan said. Evidence-Based Funding also made it possible for the district to hire three mental health coordinators one for each of the district’s three high schools. The need for mental health coordinators was in response to an increase in the number of students being hospitalized for mental health issues. “We really needed someone to work with students and their families on mental health issues and to assist with the transition back to school after hospitalization,” Sullivan said. On top of the additional staff, EBF brought a level of financial certainty to Indian Prairie CUSD #204 that was lacking under General State Aid. “The new funding formula really saved us,” Sullivan said. “We were going to end up losing and couldn’t afford to lose. Having that certainty the funding is going to be there has been incredibly positive for our district.” Continued support of EBF would... If the state continued to invest in EBF, Indian Prairie CUSD #204 would continue to invest in areas the research says has the biggest effect on student achievement. One possibility the district is considering is hiring instructional coaches for teachers. The district could also continue to hire new classroom teachers to lower the pupil-to-teacher ratio.

River Grove SD #85.5

Enrollment: 752 FY18: $378,985 FY20: $429,625 Type: preK–8 FY19: $446,997 How EBF has made a difference The state’s increased investment in public education has provided River Grove SD #85.5 much needed flexibility to move forward on

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LM January 2020