Impact of the Governor's Veto on Benton Community

As you may be aware, Governor Branstad vetoed the one-time funding compromise between Democrats and Republicans on July 2nd. This action is a stunning blow to Iowa school districts planning on this state funding source for Fiscal Year 2016 (2015-16 school year).

What you may not know is the impact that Benton Community faces as a result of this decision! The one-time funding approved by the legislature would have result in an additional $164,597 for use during the 2015-16 school year. This funding level is very important for the school district as we deal with addressing increased operational costs balanced with the cost reduction measures already taken for next year.

This coupled with an insufficient increase in state supplemental aid for FY16 ($80 increase per pupil) creates great pressure on Iowa's public school districts. This is particularly true for districts experiencing declining enrollment. In the case of Benton Community the Board of Education passed a budget guarantee resolution in the amount of $107,399 so that the operating fund for the school district will be 1% more than the year just completed. The budget guarantee is in the form of local property taxes and not state appropriated revenue.

The action of the legislature and Governor in a year where statewide revenues are excellent is extremely difficult to understand. Please consider being an advocate for PK-12 education and the Benton Community School District.