Iowa public schools lack needed funding

To the editor:

Members of the Iowa House Leadership: Statistics show that Iowa is 35th in the nation in per pupil spending. Fifteen years ago we were at the top. We are $1,612 below the national average in per pupil spending. Iowa funds at-risk students at 9.8 percent while the national average is 29 percent.

As a lifelong resident, educator and parent of children who graduated from PK-12 education in this state and from its fine public universities, I am disheartened that your leadership is placing us on a path of mediocrity and doom for public education.

A state grows its population by having excellent education. A state retains its workers and grows its workforce through education. Excellence in education will fail due to lack of funding. A 1.25 percent increase will not meet the needs of our schools. Public schools need at least a 4 percent increase in state funding to keep pace with its expenses.

I have two well-educated children that I know will not remain in or return to Iowa due to a poor educational system from PK-12 and with its public universities being underfunded. The present leadership will ensure the 'brain drain” from Iowa will continue. I find that not acceptable.

I know your party has its priorities. It should include what is best for the young, the uneducated, the entrepreneur, the sick, the homeless, the taxpayer of all levels and the middle class.

I implore you to do what is best for all people, leave the rhetoric behind.

Michael Fritz

Coralville