Federal Money Has Too Many Strings for Some Schools (IA)

May 21, 2010

Thanks but no thanks. Our school doesn’t want your money.

That’s the view taken by around 100 school districts across Iowa when it comes to “Race to the Top” funding opportunities, a funding source some officials worr y comes with so many conditions, it’s not worth saying ‘Yes’  to.

“There are strings attached,” said Carolyn McGaughey, superintendent of the Oskaloosa school district. “If you had the latitude to put this money in your area of greatest need, that would be much more effective.”

According to the Iowa Department of Education, Race to the Top describes a competitive federal grant to “reward” states that are “creating the conditions for education innovation and reform… and implementing ambitious plans in key education reform areas.”

Iowa is applying for $175 million in grants from Race to the Top, part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  When considering whether a state would receive the funding, the federal government does look at how many school districts have agreed to the terms. Districts must do that via a letter of understanding approved by the school board, the local teachers’ union and the superintendent.

While the money’s use restricted — something administrators are used to — there is enough extra reporting work required that in some districts, officials fear it could cost more to accept the money than would actually be brought in.

“The amount of work for this reform movement (including creating new tests and other ways to measure student achievement and teacher effectiveness) requires a lot of time from a lot of people,” said Ottumwa Superintendent Jon Sheldahl, whose board did approve a letter of understanding.

If Iowa gets the money, Ottumwa’s share could total about $1 million, he said.

The Ottumwa district would be doing some of the same work anyhow, so requesting the money made sense for his board. But Sheldahl said he “absolutely” understands why some districts would not want to participate. . 

Like 1 in 4 districts statewide, if Iowa is selected for the grant, Oskaloosa and Davis County would not get a share of the money. Or be required to spend it on new programs which may differ from their current, successful methods of operation.

“We already participate in stimulus funding [programs] and receive American Recovery Act dollars,” said McGaughey. “We have so much reporting attached to those already… we have to be [wise] in the use of our resources. In [our] opinion, it’s not worth it.”

Outgoing Davis County Superintendent Sam Miller said Davis County decided not to participate after consulting with the teachers’ union and the incoming superintendent.

He said some Iowa educators have been hesitant to discuss the issue.

“Because there’s no right answer: If you don’t apply, you are [appearing to be] not interested in the money. Yet you’ve got this uncertainty over what the strings are.”

McGaughey, who is retiring, talked to her replacement, too.

“I feel it would be presumptuous for me to make that decision for him,” she said.

New administrators would come in to a waiting pot of money — and a host of new government restrictions on how they must run their district.

“I have further concerns: State legislation over low performing schools remains in effect, McGaughey said, “and the federal government would have their own, additional requirements.”

“We’ll be required to build a new assessment system, a new data system, a new evaluation system, and take student achievement into consideration when reviewing teacher and administrator [performance],” listed Sheldahl.

He feels there could eventually be similar requirements nationwide anyhow.

“That’s why we want the money, to implement the changes the re authorization is going to call for,” Sheldahl said.

But the current funding source requires low performing schools to negotiate with their teachers. Both Miller and McGaughey said they have excellent relationships with their teachers. And they’d want to include them in discussions for improving student achievements.

“I don’t mind collaborating with my teachers, but when you have to go into formal negotiations as the law requires, it raises other issues,” said McGaughey.

“That’s been the political rub,” said Sheldahl, “with larger school districts in particular: Mandatory negotiating topics.”

The Ottumwa board discussed their options, then agreed to support the state’s bid for the money — with one caveat.

“We attached a statement to our application,” said Sheldahl, “[saying] our support is conditional.. allowing the district to opt out at a later date if there is an undue burden.”