Iowa Schools need more control over funding decisions

Rep. Ken Rizer's Opinion piece ('Facts about education funding,” April 6) outlined legislators' actions to make education a priority in the state budget. On behalf of Iowa school board members, we also want to share our thoughts on this.

We believe legislators understand the value of public education. However, there are challenges that must be addressed. Success and improving student achievement does not happen just because education funding is a large portion of the state budget.

Legislators note that, like families and businesses, the Legislature must plan its budget and live within means. We agree. The problem is the disconnect in the myriad laws and mixed messages from the Capitol.

A family or business has flexibility on how to budget its resources. State and federal laws and Department of Education rules restrict and categorize funds that districts receive. This creates a complex web of funds that can only be used for certain purposes. Iowa's public schools can and will strive toward improved student achievement, but we need more authority to make decisions and allocate resources.

Wise families and businesses plan well, with multiyear budgets. While Iowa law is designed so that legislative decisions on school aid are made well in advance for school boards to plan responsibly, the Legislature has not followed its own law. We need timely legislative decisions, so we can strategically run our school budgets.

When a family or business sets priorities, it funds them for success. Too often the Legislature sets a statewide priority - like early literacy - then fails to fund it adequately. We are at risk of penalizing struggling third grade students with retention because the support system hasn't been built. We need state policymakers to match mission, mandates and money while giving school boards the power to accomplish those goals.

A business that makes an investment in human capital - as our state has done in Iowa's Teacher Leadership and Compensation system - does not then restrict the core funding stream that school boards use to attract, retain and pay staff and invest in curriculum. To be successful, we need greater growth in state school aid.

Families and businesses strive for security and sustainability. Schools need to know whether we will have secure, sustainable funding for school facilities and technology - the state penny sales tax. Without that, boards and districts will be faced with balancing educational needs with infrastructure needs.

Successful families and businesses are built on equity and fairness. Schools need the Legislature to address transportation costs and district cost per pupil inequities. Every child deserves an equal education.

Iowa legislators are good people, dedicated to public service. We believe legislators are striving to make education a priority, although we have concerns that partisan politics are preventing progress. The disconnect in state funding policy and what schools need is real.

The voices of school board members have not been heard. We need legislators who will step forward and work across the aisle to solve these problems. Iowa families and businesses are depending on that.

' Iowa Association of School Boards President Amy Jurrens, of George, President-elect Joan Corbin, of Pella, Past President Jeff Anderson, of Boone and Treasurer Roger Shaffer, of Sumner.