Iowa Education Leader
A policy and advocacy update from the Iowa Department of Education * Ted Stilwill, Director * February 13, 2004

Republican leaders from the Iowa House and Senate announced an FY05 school budget proposal yesterday a bit earlier than expected. Although we haven't seen specific details, their news release says the plan maintains 2% allowable growth and restores the 2.5% across-the-board cuts from last year, which matches the Governor's recommendation and thus has a reasonable chance for bipartisan support from both houses. All policymakers, however, are weighing very difficult budget decisions again this year in light of the state's depleted financial resources, and so it is uncertain how the budget proposal will be funded. The Legislature's FY06 school budget proposal is due next week, according to state law.

Although it may be difficult to focus on national issues when many of us are tending to critical state and local matters, I know many of our school superintendents and AEA chiefs have been invited to attend the meeting hosted by US Secretary of Education Rod Paige next Tuesday in Des Moines. It is my understanding we will have an opportunity to ask questions and share information about how NCLB has impacted our schools and students.

Many of you have heard me say that I do believe there is a significant role for the federal government to play with regard to education, particularly with the growing demand for ongoing and advanced learning throughout life to meet changing economic needs. I believe we are at the very beginning of developing that federal/state/local partnership in education, and am hopeful it will emerge in a way that incorporates rather than circumvents Governors, state agencies and local districts. Each of the partners must be willing to change. States and the USDE have been willing to make adjustments as we learn how to move toward common goals. Congress must now do the same.