Letter: Tell legislators to adequately fund schools

I had the honor of attending Lobby Day at the Iowa Capitol on Jan. 26. I represented my fellow teachers and the Iowa State Education Association, or ISEA.

By state law, a school's supplemental state aid should be set before the end of February for the school year following the next full school year. The Iowa House of Representatives is in violation of this law. They have just passed a resolution that will give schools 2 percent for the 2016-17 school year. They should be working on the 2017-18 school year. The 2 percent increase does not compare to the 4 percent passed by the Senate a year ago.

Soon, it will be compulsory for Iowa 3rd graders to attend summer school if they cannot read at their grade level. Punitive actions such as this have been proven to adversely affect a student's growth. Money should be used to provide needed reading supports within the regular school year. Every school will be required to provide a 70-hour class for these 3rd graders that is taught by a qualified instructor. No money has been allocated for this mandate. How is a school to come up with the money to meet this expense? The comment I heard was that teachers, administrators, or other school officials will not be listened to as much as parents will be listened to. Contact your legislators and tell them that your child's school needs adequate funding because your child is important.

Nancy Trow

Iowa City