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Senator Ragan aims to build on  “Iowa’s great graduation rate”

Amanda Ragan
The following is a legislative update from Senator Amanda Ragan, representing Butler, Cerro Gordo, and Franklin counties:

New figures from the National Center for Education Statistics show Iowa’s high school graduation rate remains the highest in the nation, at 91 percent. That’s great news!

Iowa families clearly value their education. Educators and parents deserve a lot of credit for ensuring that students show up, pass their courses and graduate on time.

That commitment from students, families, teachers and schools should be rewarded with the best-possible education investment we can provide. Here are a few ways we can build on our successes:

  • Ensure every family is able to send their kids to a good preschool that sets them up for lifelong success.
  • Keep class sizes small so that students get the personal attention they need to master the material.
  • Do more to attract and keep great teachers who will prepare our students to compete globally.
  • Make sure students are academically ready to continue their education and training for the career of their choice.
  • Expand affordable higher education opportunities, including skills training and apprenticeships for the most in-demand jobs.

What do you think? I’d like to hear your ideas for how we can improve on Iowa’s strengths and overcome our weaknesses to maintain a top-notch education system—from preschool through career training.

Incentives continue to help rural schools thrive

A top priority of state leaders should be to protect rural schools from forced consolidation. Supporting smaller school districts is an important part of our efforts to help revitalize our small towns and rural areas.

In 2001, Iowa implemented a financial incentive program that has been particularly helpful for smaller schools, allowing them to operate more efficiently without having to consolidate multiple schools into one.

With many years of inadequate school funding, participation in the program—which is set to expire in 18 months—has been on the rise.

The Senate Education Committee took a step in the right direction this week by voting to extend financial incentives for schools willing to share personnel and educational opportunities (SF 138).

I am hopeful that the full Iowa Senate and Iowa House will move quickly to approve this important legislation.

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