(Des Moines) Iowa Senate approves a bill that will change the structure and funding of Iowa’s education system. It includes a two-point-five percent increase in state funding for K-12 public schools and higher minimum teacher salaries. The legislation, soon to be signed by Governor Reynolds, aims to enhance teacher compensation and accountability in the education system. The bill has faced criticism from Democrats who argue that the changes to area education agencies could negatively impact special education services.
Iowa House District #18 Republican Representative Tom Moore from Griswold emphasizes the bill’s potential to improve student achievement and attract more teachers to Iowa. Moore admits there is work to be done in the AEA Bill.
Moore says the bill aims to improve Special Education scores, improve relationships between schools and AEAs, and take a step forward. Moore says the biggest key to this education bill is the teacher compensation package that goes along with this bill. The legislation includes 2.5% state supplemental aid for Iowa public schools. It sets the minimum teacher starting salary at $47,500 in the first year and $50,000 in the second year, along with a minimum wage of $60,000 for teachers with 12 years of experience in the first year and $62,000 in the second year.
The bill also includes $14 million for paraeducators and support staff, which means a pay increase to close to, if not $15.00 per hour.
