Meeting Public Comments

Margaret Buckton [Urban Education Network]

Summary of the attached testimony: UEN is registered opposed to HSB 184. UEN supports and thanks the House for continued investments in closing the equity gap in the formula and funding the transportation equity funding in HSB 183. However, the proposed 2.5% increase in SSA is not enough. We would support redirecting this $30 million inperson instruction "bonus" in HSB 184 to SSA at a higher rate in HSB 183. 1) The $30 million "bonus" for districts with inperson learning in HSB 184 would be better spent in the formula. If legislators and the Governor value inperson instruction and support success for Iowa's neediest students, the funds for this onetime bonus would be better spent by increasing the SSA rate. This would further the principles of the funding formula (adequate funding for schools, equity for students, relief for property tax payers.) The formula for distributing the $30 million does not respect the local control of districts who operate calendars based on 1,080 hours rather than 180 days of instruction per Iowa Code 279.10. The bill also doesn't consider that many school districts provided fulltime inperson learning for elementary schools first, middle schools second, with crowded high schools remaining in hybrid the longest. Lastly, virtual learning provided instruction to students with educators working hard to engage students. When COVID is behind us, many of the engagement strategies and use of technology in learning will continue to benefit students. That hard work and creativity should be rewarded, not punished. If the state is committed to onetime funding, it should be equitably distributed per pupil to support all students. 2) 80% of school budgets are staff. The only way to get more efficient is with fewer staff or paying staff less with less benefits. Schools are already stretched to compete with the private sector with Iowa's low unemployment rate and teacher, substitute, bus drivers and paraprofessional shortages. 3) A higher SSA will lower property taxes: The budget guarantee with this 2.2% proposal will cost property tax payers $31.2 million next school year. When the cost per pupil is not sufficient, special education costs are shifted to property taxes. Chart in the attached document shows impact of various funding scenarios. Over the last decade, special education deficits have grown from $24 million to $162 million statewide. An SSA between 34% will reverse this trend. 4) Lower enrollment this year means the Legislature and Governor can invest the typical $95 million in public schools and afford an increase between 34%. 5) Iowa's investment in schools is not competitive with the rest of the nation or with Iowa economic growth. Chart in the attached document shows the state cost per pupil (SSA) over time compared to Iowa's State Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Latest US Census data shows Iowa ranks 8th out of 12 states in the Midwest spending $1,014 less than our region and ranks 28th in the nation, spending $880 less per student than the nation. Our economy has fared the pandemic as well as any state. We have the resources to invest in public schools. 2021 is a good year to make up some lost ground.

David Wilkerson [School Administrators of Iowa (SAI)]

SAI is opposed to this legislation. We would much rather see these funds added to the regular supplemental state aid amount. If that is not acceptable then distribute the funds equitably among all school districts rather than picking winners and losers in a punitive manner.