–State education funding was a topic of discussion during Monday’s Algona School Board meeting, as lawmakers are required by law to have their spending plans in place by the end of this week. Algona Community Schools Superintendent Joe Carter says Governor Kim Reynolds has recommended a 2% increase in Supplemental State Aid (SSA) for Iowa’s schools.
Statistics show there are over 7,000 fewer students in Iowa’s schools this year compared to last year, meaning minimal increases in SSA will result in the state spending less on education.
Carter says another issue caused by low state funding levels is a law that influences contract negotiations.
Like other government agencies, the school district is anticipating significant insurance rate increases that will need to be dealt with before a budget for the coming year can be finalized.
