“Iowans understand that our state’s future economic success depends on raising well educated, productive citizens,” said Ragan. “Competing for low skill, low wage jobs is an economic dead end. That’s why the fight to regain Iowa’s place near the top of student achievement is so important.”
The Senate-approved plan focuses on paying for the basics, including purchasing up-to-date textbooks, reducing class sizes, keeping the lights on, gassing up the buses, and strengthening teacher quality. The Senate vote follows an earlier vote in the Iowa House which approved an inadequate 1.25 percent increase. Iowa school superintendents have warned that such a small increase would fail to keep up with costs, resulting in teacher layoffs, crowded classrooms, fewer classes, and outdated materials.
“Great local schools help draw people and jobs to our local communities,” Ragan said. “Other states have also figured that out, and now invest more per student than we do here in Iowa. As Iowa’s financial support for students relative to other states has fallen, so has our academic progress compared to other states. While it is good that our schools have held steady despite falling investment, other states are investing more and scoring higher as a result.”
Ragan voted for a 4 percent increase in local school funding Senate Files 171 and 172 (FY16), and Senate Files 174 and 175 (FY17). Ragan also voted to use additional state dollars to prevent any related property tax increase (SF 173 and SF 176). The Senate action would affect funding for the 2015-2016 and 2016-17 school years.