Marion board opposes unfunded mandates

MARION - Marion Independent school board members would like the Iowa Association of School Boards to put a priority on lobbying the Iowa Legislature to eliminate the practice of mandating programs and practices without providing sufficient funding.

In response to the IASB's annual call for guidance in developing legislative lobbying priorities, board members selected three potential resolutions that contained language opposing unfunded mandates.

The board also gave its support to reform of Iowa's K-12 education system if the effort is research-based, focused on student achievement and maintains oversight and control by locally elected boards.

The IASB typically reviews potential resolutions at its November convention to develop priorities for lobbying during the next session of the Legislature.

Monday's meeting was the first formal meeting for new Marion Superintendent Chris Dyer.

Dyer succeeds Sarah Pinion, who retired in June.

The Marion Independent School District will start fall classes Aug. 25.