Schools forced to submit budgets without guidance from lawmakers take varying steps

MARION, Iowa — As the deadline for school districts to submit their budgets for the next academic year approaches, many are facing significant challenges due to lawmakers missing their own deadline to set school funding. The situation is causing headaches for school leaders and may lead to unexpected surprises for homeowners.

“This is about stretching it out. Probably the worst it’s been,” says Rob Busch, Superintendent at Starmont and West Central Schools.

Busch explains that the uncertainty surrounding funding impacts their ability to attract sorely needed staff. “There is a teacher shortage out there, and when teachers don’t have their contracts, even though they’re on what they can, what they call a continuing contract, they get nervous, and they start looking for jobs. And that is not good news in my world, because when somebody leaves, there’s almost nobody to replace them,” he says.

Some districts, including Linn-Mar in Marion, are moving forward with a 2.5% increase, since that’s the lowest rate proposed by Governor Reynolds. However, they also hope to see that go to 3% – the current proposal passed by House Republicans.

State Rep. Pat Grassley, Speaker of the Iowa House, says, “It’s just obviously what are the details. And the final product is going to look like. But right now, we’re having some productive conversations with the other two.” The other two being the Iowa Senate and Governor Reynolds.

Meanwhile, some districts say they can’t plan on any increase, meaning they have to let homeowners know that as of now, their property taxes are going up. “And they’re going to see a higher rate, you know, then they’re going to be at our board meeting kind of asking why the rates went up. And we’ll have to explain while we were waiting on state supplemental aid,” all of which, Busch adds, won't happen if an increase of 3% goes through.

Especially with the Senate right now – unable to pass the House bill or advance their own plan. State Sen. Jack Whitver, Senate Majority Leader, says, “We got to get our own bill off the floor and, hopefully soon to really start that conversation to see where it ends. But, we’ve had good conversations with both the House and the Governor, so I’m optimistic.”

The situation remains fluid, with school districts, lawmakers, and homeowners all waiting to see how the final budget will shape up.