Meeting Public Comments

Margaret Buckton [Rural School Advocates of Iowa and Urban Education Network]

Both rural school advocates of Iowa and the urban education network are opposed to HF 150. The restriction that bond elections only be held at the November combined city and school election is particularly troubling for growing districts that have to build facilities commensurate with their enrollment growth. The limitation also restricts local control to determine when best to connect with voters about the needs of the school district. Since the November election occurs ever other year, changes in interest rates and increasing costs of construction which typically grow faster than inflation will cost schools and taxpayers more if bond issue votes and sales of bonds are delayed. This is also more restrictive than any other local government, since cities, counties and community colleges can hold their bond elections on any of the special election date options in the Iowa Code. The 60% supermajority requirement and limitation to fewer election dates enacted in the last decade already restrict school flexibility regarding bond elections. It is not necessary to required the additional limitations and restriction of local control this bill would require. We urge you to not move the bill forward.