Iowa
schools have worked to maintain and improve programs under limited State
funding for the past 6+ years. In light of the State's fiscal struggles
it was understood and I, like most educators and schools in general, was a
"good soldier" and worked to maximize the educational opportunities
for Iowa students under adverse fiscal conditions. The fiscal struggles
for Iowa schools is evident in our State's drop in rank on per pupil funding to
37th in the U.S.
Now
is the time to begin to reassert Iowa's commitment to the education of our
youth. The State coffers are full and revenue projections continue to be
positive. The Legislature has a golden opportunity to assert their
commitment to Iowa students.
In Iowa
and at Clear Creek Amana we have seen an increase in low-socioeconomic
students, English Language Learners, and migrant students. All of these
students are capable learners, but they need additional time and resources to
reach their learning potential.
Iowa
has also taken positive steps in implementing the Iowa Core Curriculum, Early
Literacy Initiative (C4K), and the Teacher Leadership Supplement. All of
these initiatives have a positive impact on the learning of Iowa
students. But, the funds are categorical and can only be spent on those
programs. Please keep that in mind as you establish State Supplemental
Aid and do not count them as part of our basic State Supplemental Aid.
The need to fund our core instructional programs has not diminished.
State Supplemental Aid of 6% would provide Iowa schools with a solid fiscal
foundation to continue their work at providing a world class education for our
students.
Should
the Governor's recommended budget be approved, Iowans in many districts will
see increased property tax rates due to the budget guarantee. Students at
CCA will experience larger class sizes and services such as guidance
counseling, CTE programs, and other exploratory classes will not be able to
expand with our rising student population; limiting opportunities for our
students.
I
recognize that the Legislature is faced with tough fiscal decisions as many
compete for the revenues of the State. I ask that you take action that
supports our most valuable resource, the children of Iowa.
Sincerely,
Tim
Kuehl
Superintendent
Clear
Creek Amana CSD
| School District to Legislator Tool | |||||
| Representatives | Senators | ||||
| Dist. | Name | Dist. | Name | ||
| 74 | Dave Jacoby | 37 | Bob Dvorsky | ||
| 75 | Dawn Pettengill | 38 | Tim Kapucian | ||
| 76 | David Maxwell | 39 | Kevin Kinney | ||
| 77 | Sally Stutsman | ||||
