May LM 2019 Special Issue_press

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Dr. Brent Clark
Message From the Executive Director
EBFIsMakingaDifference;WithSteadyFunding
ItCouldBeTransformativeforStudents
and how they no longer were in cost-cutting mode and could
restore positions and add new programs—all benefitting
students.
STEM programs were created, social workers and counselors
hired, class sizes reduced, electives restored and student
safety improved, all as a result of just two years of additional
state funding.
But, superintendents also shared that the work isn’t finished.
If school districts were able to accomplish this in just two
years of additional funds, just think what could happen if all
districts reached adequate funding levels?
These dollars are already making a difference and could be
transformative for a diverse set of students across the state if
the formula is properly funded over time.
Yours for better schools,
The passage of the Evidence-Based Funding Model in
August, 2017, was a significant achievement that truly was a
joint effort by legislators and public education stakeholders,
who all agreed Illinois needed to create a more equitable
and adequate funding system to meet the needs of a
diverse set of students.
Since its passage, how has the new formula made a
difference in schools?
IASA set out to answer that question in a series we first
introduced in August. In “Leadership Matters,” we spoke
with 10 superintendents across Illinois and shared how their
districts used EBF dollars to improve learning for students.
We then continued each month with five more stories. We
are now pleased to announce we have told the stories of 50
school districts from all corners of the state, including from
urban, rural and suburban environments.
What is abundantly clear is that EBF has made a difference.
Superintendents told us the new formula was a “godsend”
2648 Beechler Court
Springfield, IL 62703–7305
217–753–2213
800 Woodfield Road, Ste. F109
Schaumburg, IL 60173–4717
847–466–5075
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Marion, IL 62959–1138
618–364–0501
Special Edition
May 2019
LeadershipMatters
Graphic Designer
Marjorie Gladish
19067
Jason Nevel
Assistant Director of Communications
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LMMay 2019 Special Edition