Sc hool Funding Hopeful, But Uncertain

January 14, 2010

Estherville Lincoln Central Superintendent Dick Magnuson Wednesday heartily endorsed Gov. Chet Culver’s proposal in his Condition of the State address Tuesday that the state fully fund a 2 percent increase in allowable growth for local school districts.

In addition, Culver is proposing restoring $100 million in state funding cut earlier this fiscal year.

"Oh that would be great," said Magnuson who tempered the governor’s budget proposal with some political reality. "That’s just his proposal to the legislature so we’ll see how they respond to it."

Just about every state in the union – with the possible exceptions of Montana and North Dakota – is expecting revenue shortfalls this year. Iowa is eyeing a record $1-billion shortfall between revenues and expenditures.

Magnuson said if the state took $100 million from its reserves to restore funding education, as the governor is proposing, that would be a great help as well.

And, while there are many interests vying for state money, Magnuson pointed to the fact that improving education is a cornerstone of economic development. "I do hope they (legislators) respond in a positive way to the across-the-board (10 percent) cut" which claimed $643,000 from ELC’s current-year budget. "If that were restored, that would be wonderful," Magnuson said.

Even the governor’s setting a tone favoring educational funding is good news, Magnuson said.

"It’s a really good start considering the dismal nature of where we are right now with the 10 percent cut," Magnuson said.

Magnuson also held out hope fo r the state’s economy in general.

"I’m just happy the economy in Iowa will pick up here a little bit and a little faster."