The top Republican in the Iowa legislature hopes to cut some of the “strings” attached to the state tax dollars that are used to operate Iowa’s public schools. House Speaker Linda Upmeyer of Clear Lake says giving school boards as much “local control” as possible is the goal.
*
The majority of state tax money that’s forwarded to Iowa’s K-through-12 public schools is distributed on a per-student basis and is used for general purposes. Some state tax dollars, though, are earmarked for specific programs. Governor Terry Branstad’s recent “teacher leadership” program earmarks money to boost pay for teachers who become mentors and increase salaries for beginning teachers.
*
The 2017 legislative session starts on Monday