The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore and examine the autonomous decision-making process and fiscal strategies used by Evidence-Based Funding Tier-One decision-makers. The processes utilized, factors considered, and results achieved were studied retroactively to learn how school districts approach allocation of Evidence-Based Funding revenues as they best see fit. The data collection took place in Illinois, excluding Cook County. The study's participants were limited to elementary school districts who received Tier-One funding during Fiscal Years 2018, 2019, and 2020. Further, participants were restricted to school districts with fewer than 1,200 students. The research was conducted by interviewing school district decision-makers and reviewing district spending plans. The data analysis uncovered nine themes. Those themes revealed the processes used by Tier-One school districts and gave confidence to Illinois' current education funding model, Evidence-Based Funding. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]