Iowa Senate passes 2% per-student increase for public schools
Iowa senators passed a state supplemental aid package by a 32-15 vote.
The measure, Senate File 167, would allow K-12 public schools to receive a 2% increase in State Supplemental Aid (SSA) rate, the growth rate for public school funding, allocated to schools on a per-student basis. The increase is $157 for every student and a total $240 million increase. The increase in per-pupil equity translates to $2.9 million. There would also be a $1 million increase in transportation equity.
The House adopted an increase of 2.25%. Senate Republicans say it's a responsible move, but Democrats say it would force school districts to make deeper cuts. The House debates the bill April 8. If passed, it will head to Gov. Kim Reynolds's desk.
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