Democrats irked as Republicans vote against a commitment to keeping school funding up with inflation

DES MOINES – The Iowa School Finance Formula Review Committee last week adopted six key Democratic recommendations.  Republicans, however, voted down three other key proposals.  This committee of Legislators meets every five years to review school funding policy. 

“I’m pleased that some of our recommendations were adopted; however, our schools are on life support.  Record low funding for public schools over the last decade and a looming teacher shortage will not help schools meet the significant challenges they face today,” said State Rep. Cindy Winckler (D-Davenport).  “Our schools can’t continue with anemic investments from the state and produce the skilled workforce that Iowa’s economy needs.” 

The committee approved the following Democratic recommendations to: 

1. Increase support for English language learners to accelerate their becoming proficient in English. 
2. Create a committee to study how schools can address kids’ mental health problems and provide mental health resources. 
3. Study options to close the achievement gaps of children from low-income homes.     
4. Review how to accelerate closing the gaps between districts in per-pupil funding. 
5. Examine increased incentives for school districts to share security officers to increase school safety. 
6. Review the district funding for students who open enroll into a new school district. 

The Republican majority on the committee voted down proposals to:

1. Make sure that school funding at least keeps up with inflation. 
2. Provide funding to make sure every kid can attend preschool and eliminate preschool waiting lists. 
3. Provide adequate funding for special education students. Today 80% of Iowa school districts now have special education deficits.

“While I am disappointed that not all the recommendations were adopted, including a minimum of basic school funding that keeps up with inflation, I am pleased that the committee recognized that students who are living in poverty come to school at a disadvantage compared to other students,” said State Sen. Herman Quirmbach (D-Ames).  “Schools must provide equitable opportunities to all students, including economically disadvantaged students. Iowa’s future workforce and economic vitality depend on providing resources to schools to close this opportunity gap for disadvantaged students.”