The Missing Picture with Iowa’s Education Spending Increases
The Des Moines Register reports that the Iowa Department of Education is seeking a budget increase of one quarter of 1 percent – $2.931 billion up from $2.924 billion.
It only includes a $6.3 million increase to state school aid. It doesn’t take into consideration allowable growth something that Jason Glass, director of the Iowa Department of Education, said is up to the Legislature to decide. He wanted to avoid making that recommendation. Kudos to him for that. I can safely assume that means the Department’s lobbyist will stay mum on the topic when it is up for discussion this coming session of the Iowa General Assembly right? The Register notes that an additional 2% will cost the state $55 million. We can be sure teacher’s unions and others will cry for more money though that isn’t the answer.
Another thing that it leaves off is education reform. Jason Noble reported that The Des Moines Register projection is $177 million. I haven’t seen that and I’m not sure what it includes. Assessments that the Department would like to implement will cost money. We still are not certain how much implementing the Smarter Balanced Assessment Coalition assessment that is aligned with the Common Core State Standards will cost the state.
Glass said those components are still being crafted and included in legislation.
Category: Iowa Grounds, Public Schools
About the Author (Author Profile)
Shane Vander Hart is the founder and editor-in-chief of Caffeinated Thoughts. He is also the President of 4:15 Communications, LLC, a social media & communications consulting/management firm. He is a communications director for American Principles Project’s Preserve Innocence Initiative. Prior to this Shane spent 20 years in youth ministry serving in church, parachurch, and school settings. He has also served as an interim pastor and is a sought after speaker and pulpit fill-in. Shane has been married to his wife Cheryl since 1993 and they have three kids. Shane and his family reside near Des Moines, IA. You can connect with Shane on Facebook or follow him on Twitter and Google +.Subscribe
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