LM May.2021_FINAL

Series Part XVI

Difference ... cont’d.

Genoa-Kingston CUSD #424 was also able to hire a full-time psychologist thanks to EBF. The district previously contracted the services to a private company. The addition of four instructional coaches — one for each building — has elevated teaching and learning throughout the district because teachers receive more targeted support. “Our instructional coaches have opened the door to new instructional techniques and new ways our teachers can connect with students,” O’Daniell said. Furthermore, Genoa-Kingston CUSD #424 hired two interventionists to provide reading and math support for students in grades K-12. “We are helping kids most likely to have fallen through the cracks and provide them with a level of support they need to stay on track,” O’Daniell said. Continued Support of EBF would … Properly funding EBF would allow Genoa-Kingston CUSD #424 to hire additional full-time teachers to reduce classroom sizes. The district also has identified a goal of hiring additional EL and bilingual teachers to better support English learners.

layoffs, update curriculum, improve special education services and hire additional staff that has resulted in lower classroom sizes and additional support for students. “It truly has been transformational for us,” said Dr. Steven Wrobleski, superintendent of La Salle-Peru Twp HSD #120. “EBF has been grounded in our human resources and ensuring we have the right people in place to provide the experiences our kids need, particularly in defined deficiency areas.” The district hired a full-time literacy instructor to elevate reading in the district. The literacy instructor provides direct support to students, as well as classroom teachers. In addition, EBF made it possible for the district to hire a full-time science and full-time social science teacher. Both additions have helped lower classroom sizes and improve the overall learning experience for students. Improving special education has also been a focus for La Salle-Peru Twp HSD #120. The district purchased a home near the high school that serves as a proper facility for students 18 to 22 years old with cognitive disabilities. “EBF dollars allowed us to continue to support and grow our transition, life skills, and goals program for students 18 to 22 years of age,” Dr. Wrobleski said. EBF was also used to purchase new textbooks and update curricular materials. An online reading program the district purchased has greatly expanded literacy support. Continued support of EBF would… In the 2021-22 school year, La Salle-Peru Twp HSD #120 plans to bring on a full time math teacher and three special education educators. If EBF were properly funded, the district would look at how it could continue to invest in human resources and lower classroom sizes and provide additional support for students.

La Salle-Peru Twp HSD #120

Enrollment: 1,192 FY18: $163,340

FY20:$369,698 FY21: Flat funding

Type: 9-12

FY19: $144,690

How EBF has made a difference Evidence-Based Funding has been “transformational” for La Salle-Peru Twp HSD #120. The money allowed the district to stabilize its budget, avoid

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LM MAY 2021