Iowa Senate Democrats set to raise school spending

Education

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February 6, 2012

Anonymous Associated Press Mon Feb 06, 2012, 05:30 AM CST

DES MOINES — Democrats plan to push for a $122 million boost in spending on local schools, but Republicans warn they won't agree to any spending until legislators overhaul the school finance system.

Democrats argue that local school officials need quick action so they can plan for hiring teachers and setting curriculum. Republicans counter that voters are willing to spend more on schools but want district administrators held accountable and for spending to be targeted.

The stakes are high because school spending amounts to nearly 60 percent of the state's $6 billion budget.

Democrats said they are required to act soon, noting a law that calls for school funding decisions to be made in the first 30 days of a legislative session.

Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstal, D-Council Bluffs, said Democrats will meet that deadline by approving the increase Tuesday.

"We are going to follow the law," Gronstal said.

The state pays for most of local school costs, so the Legislature's decisions about how much district budgets can grow and the amount of state aid available is essential to educators.

Lawmakers have often failed to meet the school budget deadline, and there have been no consequences because no one has stepped forward to press the issue.

Sen. Brain Schoenjahn, who heads a Senate budget panel overseeing school spending, said educators are demanding decisions on funding questions.

"I believe we owe it to our school districts so they can plan for enrollment, for curriculum offerings and for teacher hiring," said Schoenjahn, D-Arlington.

He noted that Gov. Terry Branstad has called for an overhaul of the state's school system, though large issues such as revamping teacher pay won't happen until next year. It's also unclear what current proposals will be approved by a Legislature deeply divided along party lines.

Those questions only add to uncertainty about school budgets, Schoenjahn said.

"There is a plan for a major overhaul, but kids are in the classroom right now," said Schoenjahn. "Who knows where that's going?"

While Democrats hold a majority in the Senate and can vote on a budget, Branstad and Republicans who control the House want to head in a different direction.

Even before the Senate acts, a House panel on Monday will debate a measure revamping the school finance system to mirror Branstad's two-year budget structure.

The governor wants to make a more dramatic change, ending a system where schools are typically given extra money every year.

"We need to make sure the money we're investing in education is doing the things that will improve education, rather than just arguing about how much growth and not asking anything in return," said Branstad. "The system needs to be focused on doing things that are going to get us results."

As the state considers his proposals to change student testing, teacher education and other matters, Branstad said it's vital to closely watch spending.