Statement by Senator Herman Quirmbach, Chair of the Senate Education Committee:
On Thursday, “Senate Democrats offered to accept the House Republican offer on local school funding if House Republicans agreed to continue Iowa’s early intervention / class size reduction effort ($31 million a year to Iowa schools) and several points regarding education reform.
“House Republicans agreed to the increased funding and said they would consider our suggestions on education reform. This is a positive step forward. If we continue to focus on our areas of agreement, I’m hopeful we will be able to provide responsible funding to our local schools while assisting their efforts to improve student achievement.”
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EDUCATION REFORM
Senate Democratic Counter Offer Proposal
1. Yes – on House Republican Funding Proposal for Allowable Growth for FY14 and FY15.
2. Continue the $31 million Early Intervention Program / Early Intervention/Class Size Reduction Program.
3. Retain Senate language on Teacher Pathways, including these key provisions:
- a. Teacher Leadership Supplement at $400 per pupil.
- b. Minimum teaching salaries at $35,000.
- c. By 2016 – All school districts shall adopt a model of teacher compensation and career pathways.
- d. Must have comparable model language and criteria.
- e. Schools can choose one of four models, but every model must include key principles/criteria.
- f. Local districts models and implementation decided by and oversight by State Commission (vs. DE).
- g. Want Site-based local commissions to choose eligible teachers for mentors/leaders. Teacher must have at least one year of experience in the district and three years of experience overall in teaching.
- h. Senate Amendment language about only implement what a district can afford with Teacher Leadership Supplement money from the state.
4. House Language on Iowa Learning Online
5. House Language on Teach Iowa