School consolidation will increase without adequate funding
Statement by Senator Rich Taylor of Mount Pleasant
“Today, I filed legislation to increase basic aid to our public schools by 4 percent for the 2017-18 school year and by 4 percent for the 2018-19 school year.
“Parents, students, administrators and educators tell me this is the minimum amount they need to keep providing quality education for our children and grandchildren.
“The increases in education funding over the last six years has been the lowest in Iowa’s history. That’s why more classrooms are overcrowded, there are fewer courses, and more students are stuck using outdated technology and textbooks.
“If the Legislature approves anything less than 4 percent and 4 percent, more rural schools will be forced to close and consolidate. That would be devastating for the small towns in my district, and for hundreds of school districts in small towns across Iowa.”
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