Iowa Legislature still at odds over education reform

Republicans pooh-poohed the latest Democratic overture on education reform Monday, casting doubt that a compromise bill would be ready for a final vote by the scheduled adjournment of the Iowa Legislature this week.

Democrats say they'll agree to a 2-2-4 funding plan that gives districts a 2 percent increase in state aid plus a one-time 2 percent increase for fiscal year 2014 and a 4 percent increase in 2015. They'll also agree to a starting teacher salary of $33,500, which is $1,500 less than they originally proposed.

They've also asked that funding for a class-size reduction grant program, which expires this year, be extended by 10 years. Republicans had proposed a two-year extension.

“We think two years is just not long enough for school districts to hire permanent staff under this program,” said Sen. Herman Quirmbach, D-Ames, who co-chairs the education conference committee.

But the Democratic proposal left out language on teacher evaluations and home rule provisions that Republicans - through conference committee co-chair Rep. Ron Jorgensen of Sioux City - said are necessary for an agreement. Key among the points of contention is whether student test scores will play a role in teacher evaluations.

“Despite numerous efforts by House Republicans to find common ground on education reform, Senate Democrats have made little effort to compromise. The Senate Democrats continue to oppose accountability, innovation and parental choice,” Jorgensen said in a statement released through House Speaker Kraig Paulsen's office. “Iowa will become the leader in education, not by simply spending more, but by implementing real reforms.”

Still, the proposal does show some movement between the two sides who didn't meet at all last week. They last traded proposals on April 19.

Jorgensen said Republicans will work on a formal response to give to Democrats Tuesday.