Local educators pleased with legislative funding proposal

Recent legislative funding proposals for Iowa's public schools have been met with favorable reviews locally.
Last week, the Iowa House of Representatives proposed a one percent increase in supplemental state aid, or $32 million for public schools, with a $10 million supplement for transportation assistance. The Iowa Senate responded in favor of the $32 million, but suggested $14 million for the transportation stipend.
Hampton-Dumont and CAL Superintendent Todd Lettow said the proposal is more than acceptable given the economic outlook of the state and recent proposed cuts for other areas, including higher education and the judicial branch.
"In general, schools have to feel pretty fortunate that we were held harmless to the budget cuts for this year," he said. "I think one of the reasons they probably held true to that is, they've giving us lower supplemental aid amounts to ensure that across the board cuts wouldn't happen. I really am appreciative they held true to their word and that certainly helps us as far as budgeting."
Lettow added that the 1 percent mark may not seem like much on the surface, but it is a welcomed number given the expectations going into the budget planning process.
Read the full story in the February 14 edition.