Des Moines, Iowa (November 15, 2017) - More than 200 delegates from the Iowa Association of School Board's (IASB) member school districts and area education agencies (AEAs) gathered at the annual Delegate Assembly on Nov. 15 to conduct the annual meeting and determine the platform for the 2018 legislative session. Each board appoints one board member as delegate to represent their organization's views.  Delegates again voiced their strong support for the extension of the State Penny for School Infrastructure, also known as SAVE (Secure an Advanced Vision for Education).  "We are prioritizing the extension of the state penny for school infrastructure." IASB Board President Amy Jurrens said, "This funding stream is critically important for all school districts in Iowa and ensures our public schools are safe, accessible and modern, and can provide students with the 21st century technology they need to graduate prepared."  The approved platform includes the following six priorities:   * Preservation of the statewide penny sales tax for school infrastructure, with a repeal of the law's sunset in 2029; * Continued progress in developing rigorous content standards and benchmarks that reflect real-world knowledge and skills students need to graduate college and career ready; * Changes to school funding policy to ensure equity, especially in transportation costs and district cost per pupil rates; * Setting supplemental state aid rates in a timely way, with adequate resources to sustain world-class schools; and * Increased statewide access to and funding for mental health services for children.  * Supporting predictable and timely state funding to serve students receiving special education services at a level that reflects the actual costs including educational programming and healthcare costs.  IASB's Delegate Assembly is a vital link connecting board members and legislative issues. The resolutions' process allows each school board the opportunity to suggest priorities for the platform, then vote on the final platform and priorities.  To see the full list of beliefs, resolutions and legislative priorities for the 2018 legislative session, please visit the IASB website. IASB is a private, nonprofit organization representing Iowa's 333 school districts, nine area education agencies and 15 community colleges. -30-

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