Statement by ISEA President Tammy Wawro on

budget agreement setting supplemental state aid for FY2017

DES MOINES, IA (03/22/2016)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Education Association and our more than 34,000 members are disappointed the legislature continues to be more focused on big business rather than our students. For the past three years, they have approved almost $750 million in industrial and commercial tax cuts instead of funding our schools.

The latest proposal at 2.25 percent SSA with no money for assessments and Reading Recovery will continue to starve our schools and force them to make choices that will negatively impact students. Over-crowded classrooms hurt both students who need additional supports and those who shine by not allowing enough specialized time with either. No one wins.

Perhaps most disappointing is the fact that policy makers talk a good line about making students a priority, but in fact their actions don't meet their words.

The ISEA will continue to fight for Iowa's public school students because we remain focused on their best interests. We are committed to the success of every student in Iowa.

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