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LMMay 2019 Special Edition
Enrollment: 380
FY18: $235,948
Type: 9–12
FY19: $225,085
The old funding formula created an extreme burden on
Vienna High School that caused the district to cut and
reduce programs and offerings, as well as delay capital
Vienna HSD #13.3
Southern Super Region
...
cont’d.
However, Garrison added, the district was able to find
enough money to hire an elementary teacher and begin
to reduce classroom sizes.
Looking forward, she noted, the district wants to continue
to reduce elementary class sizes. It also is looking to
hire another school nurse, bring back elective courses
at the high school and expand mental health supports
for students.
For that to happen, it will require lawmakers to properly
fund the formula.
“We’re hoping in the next five years that we continue to
see additional Evidence-Based Funding dollars, so we
can make steps to enhance student outcomes by putting
personnel and support services in place for students,”
Garrison said.
maintenance projects, Superintendent Joshua Stafford said. Vienna
High School actually ranked as the third least adequately funded
district in the state.
With the release of the second year of EBM dollars, Stafford said,
the district is enhancing programs and catching up on capital
maintenance to provide a better learning environment for students.
Vienna High School has restored a full-time chemistry/physics
position to its science department, as well as a full-time principal.
In addition, the high school has added another part-time foreign
language teacher.
Vocational offerings are also being expanded, thanks to a
partnership with the local community college that allows students to
participate in a construction trade program.
Furthermore, Stafford noted, Vienna High School has replaced
outdated and worn textbooks.
“Many of these initial steps have been intentionally aimed at
reducing class sizes, which were trending at over 30 students,”
Stafford said. “As we move forward, our primary focus will be on
enhancing instruction and addressing support services for students.”
Beyond impacting areas related directly to student instruction,
Stafford said, EBM dollars were used to replace an HVAC system.
Moving forward, the district is eyeing other essential capital projects,
such as the replacement of a leaky roof.
We’re hoping in the next five years that we continue to see additional Evidence-Based Funding dollars, so we can
make steps to enhance student outcomes by putting personnel and support services in place for students.
—Dr. Jennifer Garrison, Vandalia CUSD #203