Lack of public funding for public schools has consequences

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor,

   What would historians say Iowa can take pride in being known for?

   Corn and pork production?

   The Iowa State Fair?

   The Iowa Hawkeyes and Cyclones?

   An educational system steeped in excellence?

   Well, the last one certainly has a long, rich history that dates back to the 1850s when Iowa was early in creating a system of free public schools. (State Historical Society of Iowa)

   The truth today is Iowa’s public schools have been on the “losing team” for about 20-plus years when it comes to funding public education. According to the national Center for Education, Iowa spent more per pupil than the national average in the 1970s and ‘80s as compared to now. In the 1990s, Iowa was $435 below the national average in money spent per pupil. The most recent data from 2018-19 statistics indicate that shortfall has now grown to $1,254 less spent.

   What’s the consequence for this lack of funding?

   Let’s start with national rankings in achievement. U.S. News and World Report, one of the most well-known organizations for education rankings, lists Iowa at number 24! Margaret Buckton with the Iowa School Finance Information Services says in regard to NAEP (National Assessment of Education Progress), “In the 1990s, Iowa ranked in the top five in just about every comparison of reading and math scores. The 2019 NAEP data shows Iowa falling to the middle of the pack.” Meanwhile, states like Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York have created funding formulas to recognize poverty in their schools, form smaller class sizes than Iowa, and expand teacher trainings to improve their achievement. Iowa could learn from their coastal states!

   Any more consequences due to lack of funding?

   In our Republican-led legislature since 2011 (Des Moines Register, November 2018), state supplemental aid (the amount of new money available to schools) has dropped to 1.73 percent per year. That’s less than inflation, which rose 1.81 percent annually on average from 2011-18, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics. That has led to staff/budget cuts and discontinuation of programs for many districts.

   In 2004, the State of Iowa was looking for a source of “pride” to put on the new state’s quarter. “Foundation in Education” was selected because it was deemed in something our state has taken pride in for a long time. Do we need to replace this motto with, “We’re feelin’ great just being average?”

   We must change this narrative and save our Iowa public schools for the future.

   VOTE DEMOCRAT on Nov. 8!

Mary Melchert

Monticello, Iowa

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