School funding impasse is ‘a big deal’

In my 18 years on the local school board, my frustrations with how the legislature, Department of Education and governor treat education funding in Iowa have never been greater.

We are told that the economic engine in Iowa is chugging away, at rate higher than the national average, but at the same time state funding for Iowa schools is falling behind other states and doesn't meet what our students and communities deserve.

Recently, our school board met to plan next year's budget, which, according to Iowa code, must be published soon so that our community can review and scrutinize. The numbers will not be pretty, because for every dollar that the Legislature underfunds our district programming we must ask our property taxpayers to make up the difference.

Years of inadequate funding increases are catching up with our district and many districts across the state. During the last few years we have worked to reduce expenses, as revenues in the form of state aid have failed to keep up with increases in operational costs. At the same time, our board has been hesitant to increase local property tax levies, always thinking that the Legislature and Governor will eventually do the right thing. Now we are forced to ask our local property taxpayers to invest more, while we will be working to make significant cuts through staff reductions, longer bus rides and educational programming changes.

In a small community, the loss of two, three or four jobs is a big deal. Asking parents to have their kids on the bus longer each day is a big deal. Making program cuts in a district where the current senior class has an average ACT score 3 points above the state average is a big deal. Our students deserve better.

l Chad Ingels is the father of three and president of the West Central Community School Board. Comments: 13298 130th St Randalia, IA; (563) 920-5899