LM Nov-Dec.2019

Series Part XII Difference ... cont’d.

Enrollment: 1,306 FY18: $378,970 FY20: $209,154 Type: preK–12 FY19: $219,505 How EBF has made a difference A change in the state’s funding formula came at the right time for Marshall CUSD #2C. The district avoided layoffs or reductions in programs when general state aid was pro-rated. However, due to financial constraints, the district lacked the resources to address certain needs. With increased state funding, Marshall CUSD #2C hired an additional fourth grade teacher to keep classroom sizes in the low 20s. “Being able to add that fifth teacher has made a huge difference for us,” Superintendent Kevin Ross said. Evidence-Based Funding also allowed the district to address security needs by helping fund the salary and benefits of a liaison police officer. In addition, the funding enhanced professional development opportunities for teachers, especially in the area of special education. “We want to be able to do the best we can for our low income and special education population and now we were able to bring in more heavy-hitting professional development for our staff, particularly at the junior high level,” Ross said. New state dollars will also help the district meet new minimum salary level thresholds for teachers and keep up with increases in the minimum wage. during the pro-ration of general state aid. “At some point, every district has to have the resources. We have gotten back to that level and we’re going beyond it by making an investment in the education of our students.” Continued Support of EBF Would… With continued investment into EBF, Flora CUSD #35 will continue to try and reduce classroom sizes to match levels suggested in the formula. Another priority would be to hire more counselors to provide students with more social-emotional support. Furthermore, the district is looking at adding more elective courses to provide students with more opportunities to be career and college ready. Marshall CUSD #2C

“Evidence-Based Funding really took the pressure off of us,” Ross said. “We have a history of being cost effective, and we want to continue that while we also keep moving things forward.” Continued Support of EBF Would… Marshall CUSD #2C plans to provide more social-emotional support for students by adding additional counselors and social workers at the district’s different buildings.

Thornton Fractional TWP HSD #215

Enrollment: 3,415 FY18: $2.5 million FY20: $1.1 million Type: 9–12 FY19: $1.9 million How EBF has made a difference The state’s investment into Evidence-Based Funding is helping Thornton Fractional Twp HSD #215 better prepare students for college while easing the financial burden. Thornton Fractional Twp HSD #215 hired seven additional teachers, which allowed the district to double its Advanced Placement offerings from seven to 14 classes. As a result, hundreds of additional students who may never have been exposed to rigorous AP courses had a chance to enroll in an AP course and if they passed the AP exam, earn college credit. “We have enough research out there now that shows the more you expose students to rigorous coursework, the better prepared they are when they enter college,” said Superintendent Dr. Teresa Lance. To maximize the effectiveness of the district’s AP program, Thornton Fractional Twp HSD #215 pays for students to take the AP exam. To earn college credit, students have to score threes or better on a five-point scale. By paying for students to take the AP exam, we increase students likelihood of sitting for the exam because we have taken the financial burden off of families. Another benefit of expanding AP offerings is it eases the financial burden of student loan debt. “When you align the level of rigor in high school to college, students will not have to sit in remedial courses when they enter college,” Lance said. The additional state funding also allowed Thornton Fractional Twp HSD #215 to hire a mental health specialist. The position will allow the district to provide another level of support for students who have suffered from trauma.

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LM Month 2019