Hunter
02/05/26
State Senate Republicans have revealed their education package, proposing a 1.75 percent increase in per pupil funding.
Iowa’s News Now reports the GOP believes that translates to a $145 increase per student, potentially raising the per-pupil funding to $8,133. The increase in funding would follow a student whether they’re attending a public school, charter school or receive an education savings account and attend a private school.
However, many education organizations in Iowa argue that this increase is insufficient.
Melissa Petersen with the Iowa State Education Association said the increase would not keep up with inflation, and would mean bigger class sizes, fewer staff positions, program reductions, older materials to work with, and buildings that won’t get needed repair, maintenance and upgrades.
Governor Kim Reynolds suggested a 2% increase in her Condition of the State address last month.