The State of Education in Iowa

The Governor and the Republicans in the Iowa Legislature seem determined to destroy Education in our state.  Here is an update:

February 10, 2011

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Allowable growth passes the House House File 184, HF185, and HF189 passed the Iowa House along party lines setting allowable growth at zero percent for 2011-2012 and 2012-2013. This is the first time in Iowa history that nothing has been allocated for allowable growth. The bills also provide $47 million in property tax relief for districts with declining enrollment. If the $47 million had been provided as allowable growth, the rate would be over 1.5 percent and would apply to all districts. Legislators will argue they provided a quarter billion dollars for education. What they have actually provided is property tax relief for mostly out-of-state property owners. The ISEA expects the Senate to take action on allowable growth next week. There is a consequence to be paid for zero percent allowable growth. It means our kids will suffer. It means fewer course offerings, larger class sizes, fewer supplies, and less Support Services. Our best and brightest teachers will simply be forced to consider other professions. Area Education Agencies  The Governor has recommended that AEA funding be cut by $27.5 million in 2011-2012. This cut will jeopardize Iowa's share of federal special education funds. It hurts our most vulnerable students with special needs. Community colleges Governor Branstad has recommended cutting the budget for community colleges by $9.2 million for 2011-2012. This makes a total cut of $15.1 million when combined with the $5.9 million cut in 2010-2011. Community colleges can't be a force in economic recovery when faced with budget cuts. Larger class sizes, fewer course offerings, and higher tuition will be the result. What can you do? Attend your local legislative forum this weekend. Ask legislators to explain why they are not adequately funding public education? If you can't attend your local legislative forum this weekend, please write to your legislators. Encourage Republican Senators to support the 2 percent being forwarded by Senate Democrats, and for Senate Democrats to hold firm on 2 percent allowable growth. Ask Republicans in the House to do better than zero percent allowable growth when the Senate bill is debated in the House. Also, please thank House Democrats for proposing and supporting 2 percent allowable growth as an amendment and ask them to stand strong when the Senate bill is debated.