IASB Supportive of Funding, Flexibility and Infrastructure Education Package

Des Moines, Iowa (Feb. 1, 2018) - The package proposed today by House legislative leaders is an important step forward in addressing top priorities of Iowa school boards. "Iowa school boards and districts want and need sustainable funding for school infrastructure and technology, broadened flexibility and local control, transportation cost relief and equitable school funding," said Emily Piper, lobbyist for the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB). Supplemental State Aid-A timely decision on state supplement aid is critical in local ability to plan and budget for education, said Piper. "We appreciate greatly the additional investment of $32 million which reflects about 1 percent increase in state funding, or $67 per pupil. We of course would like that to be more, so we can address local goals and needs, but IASB is respectful of tight budget conditions facing the state." Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE)-Sustainable funding to ensure safe, modern facilities and technology for more than 485,000 students has been a top priority of Iowa school boards. The extension of the 2029 sunset to 2049 continues that commitment. Additionally, the proposal will grow the commitment to property tax relief, provide enhanced avenues to ensure transparency and citizen/voter engagement, and expand oversight to ensure long-term viability in new facility construction.   Transportation Fund-For many Iowa school districts, the cost of transporting students to the school house door has hampered their ability to meet classroom instructional needs. The new transportation funding mechanism brings greater equity for children in districts with high transportation costs.  Additional Flexibility-Granting additional flexibility helps local school boards adapt to local needs, said Piper. The proposal directs the Iowa Department of Education to review school finance administrative rules, which will maximize the direction toward Home Rule, begun in legislation that passed last year which granted public schools increased authority and flexibility in local decision making.   "School board members, parents and other citizens have been talking with legislators for many months about these critical issues. The policy package announced today is an assurance that local voices do matter," said Piper. "We look forward to continuing to work with legislators in both parties to ensure decisions are made that strengthen Iowa public schools in each and every community."  IASB is a nonprofit organization representing Iowa's 333 public school districts, nine area education agencies and 15 community colleges. - 30 -