Public Information Session, Nov. 3

TO: Woodland Stakeholders

FROM: Dr. Robert Machak, Superintendent of Schools, Woodland CCSD 50

We respectfully request your attendance at a critical Public Information Session to review the significant economic impact that the inequitable funding of the state-sponsored charter school within District 50 boundaries continues to have on our district's Evidence-Based Funding and our ability to serve all our students and taxpayers.

This meeting will provide an in-depth, transparent analysis of the district's evidence-based funding mechanism and the mandated financial obligation to a state-authorized charter school is having on our district budget.

DATE: Monday, November 3, 2025

TIME: 6 p.m.

LOCATION: Woodland Middle School, 7000 Washington St., Gurnee, IL 60031

The meeting will be held in Cafeteria A. Please use the B2 doors for entry to the event.

• The Financial Obligation: Understanding the Statute
• Analysis of Diverted Evidence-Based Funding
• Legislative and Legal Action Taken by Woodland
• Call to Action

The state's Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) model, designed to ensure that adequate resources reach all public school students, has been undercut in our district by the charter school funding mandate.

Since the EBF model was enacted in 2017, Woodland CCSD 50 has been obliged to surrender millions of dollars of its state aid. These are dollars that the State of Illinois allocated specifically to meet the needs of Woodland students. Our administration will present a detailed, year-by-year accounting showing the total dollars diverted and the direct impact this loss of funding has had on our district's resources, staffing, and programs intended for all Woodland students, especially for our most vulnerable learners who often need specialized programming, resources, and support to be successful.

Host:

• Robert Machak

Guests:

• Brianna Powvens, Board of Education President

• Amy Sabor, Board of Education Vice-President

• Dr. Joy Swoboda, Former Superintendent of Schools

• Chris Bobek, Associate Superintendent of Business Services

Topic:
Woodland leaders share important background information about Evidence-Based Funding and the impact this funding formula has on Woodland. Learn more about this important topic and specifically why Woodland is advocating for a change to an outdated state statute.

🎧 Listen to the full episode HERE.