LM Nov-Dec_2021

TwoMoreSchoolDistrictsShareHowEBFBenefitsTheirStudents By Jason Nevel, IASA Director of Social Media and Publications Making aDifference Returns Series Part XIX Lyons SD #103

Enrollment: 2,238 FY18: $641,300

FY20: $893,292 FY21: 605,531

Rome CCSD #2

Type: preK–8

FY19: $639,668

How EBF has made a difference Evidence-Based Funding has been pivotal in transforming the learning experience for students most in need in Lyons SD #103. The district used the dollars to significantly enhance the level of support it provides to English Learner and special education students. Thirty-nine percent of students in the district are considered EL. “Without EBF, we would really be struggling,” said Kristopher Rivera, Lyons SD #103 superintendent. “The dollars have been instrumental in helping us establish structures for learning and providing increased support to students most in need.” Lyons SD #103 used EBF to implement the Imagine Learning program. The digital curriculum and assessment solutions software has allowed the district to better identify skills deficits in students and differentiate instruction to better meet students at their level. Lyons SD #103 has also partnered with Illinois MTSS Network and utilized the Wilson Foundation resource to provide high-quality professional learning and coaching to staff, which has been instrumental in helping the district sustain a multi-tiered system of supports. “Our district has experienced a lot of turnover in our central office, and we needed to build the necessary structures to function at a high level,” Rivera said. “EBF has been instrumental in allowing us to achieve that goal.” In addition, Lyons SD #103 purchased new curriculum and textbooks as well as Google Chromebooks to complete a 1:1 technology initiative. Continued support of EBF would… Additional state funding would allow Lyons SD #103 to enhance culturally responsive teaching and training for leaders through a partnership with a consultant. The district would also expand social-emotional supports to students, hire additional interventionists and add a coordinated intervention program. Lastly, Lyons SD #103 would seek to diversity the school library by better incorporating different cultures for students to identify with the content.

Enrollment: 396 Type: preK–8

FY18: $130,251 FY19: $158,882

FY20: $172,286 FY21: 189,866

How EBF has made a difference The state’s investment into Evidence-Based Funding helped Rome CCSD #2 stabilize its budget, expand social-emotional support for students and increase technology access.

“EBF really helped improve our budget,” said Rome CCSD #2 Superintendent, Steve Phillips. “We probably would have had to cut programs and reduce costs if the state hadn’t invested into the formula.” EBF allowed Rome CCSD #2 to hire a part-time social worker the district shares with neighboring Woodlawn Unit School District #209. Having that extra person has added a much-needed level of social-emotional support the district can provide to students. “It’s been a Godsend, and we really need that person full time,” Phillips said. The district was also able to add two

Lyons SD #103

Rome CCSD #2

paraprofessionals to provide increased academic support to students most in need. Lastly, EBF allowed Rome CCSD #2 to purchase Google Chromebooks to help close the digital divide and update technology throughout the district. Continued support of EBF would… If the state continues to fund EBF, Rome CCSD #2 would have a full-time social worker, rather than split the person with a neighboring district. In addition, the district would seek to add programs and provide new opportunities for students that wouldn’t normally be available in a small, rural district. Another possibility, Phillips added, would be to invest the dollars into facilities and provide more space for students to learn.

28 LM Nov./Dec. 2021