School staff—from teachers to administrators to bus drivers and everyone in between—make our schools and worlds go round. They help our children grow, learn, and become their best selves. However, these professionals we love and cherish on a daily basis face significant challenges outside of the classroom. The challenge we’re talking about is financial stress.
West Aurora Schools, an 11,500-student district in the suburbs of Chicago, was experiencing financial stress. Many staff members were struggling with debt and budgeting, and many held significant amounts of student loans. Others were concerned about their ability to retire. Angie Smith, associate superintendent for operations, wanted to do something about it.
“What creates a lot of angst for people is money and we weren’t really attending to that and this was a great fix for that.”
-Angie Smith, Associate Superintendent for Operations
The district’s employee assistance program (EAP) wasn’t cutting it for employees dealing with financial stress. It was clear they needed a better, more inclusive financial wellness solution that could help all employees, no matter their financial knowledge or job category. Angie and West Aurora Schools set out to find just that.
YML stood out for its ability to provide personalized financial coaching, user-friendly software, and educational resources that empowered employees to manage their finances more effectively.
"I appreciate that it's completely objective. There's no product being pushed... This gives our employees a resource that the district has paid for while allowing them the privacy and confidentiality they need."
-Angie Smith, Associate Superintendent for Operations
YML's program offered support for a wide range of financial needs, from budgeting to retirement planning to student loan help. The solution was designed to be accessible to all employees, regardless of their financial background or knowledge level. This approach aligned perfectly with the district's goal of supporting employee well-being in a meaningful and trustworthy way.
“Over my past conversations with my financial guide, I have become more confident in my ability to get out of credit card debt. She has really made the weight of the credit card debt seem more manageable and a brighter light at the end of the tunnel.” - West Aurora Staff member
The partnership with Your Money Line represents more than just a financial service or employee benefit— it's an investment in the district's most valuable asset—its people.
“It’s a differentiator. Many districts don’t have this, and we’re on the leading edge of that.”
-Angie Smith, Associate Superintendent for Operations
By providing tools and resources to improve financial health, West Aurora Schools is fostering a more confident, less stressed workforce, which ultimately contributes to a stronger, more resilient educational community.
This impact is evident in feedback from West Aurora staff members:
“My financial guide was very helpful in clarifying and answering my questions. I was more at ease after speaking with her. ” - West Aurora Staff member
“My guide is so knowledgeable and kind. I loved speaking with her; I feel very reassured!” - West Aurora Staff member
