Iowa Senate Passes Bill To Increase Funding For K-12 Schools By 2.4 Percent; SL Supt. Dr. David Smith Says He’s Satisfied With That Level

(Des Moines)– A bill that would increase funding for K through 12 schools in Iowa by 2.4 percent is headed to Governor Kim Reynolds’ desk.

The Iowa Senate passed the legislation Wednesday that is slightly lower than the 2.4 percent increase Reynolds requested. Republicans say it provides a reliable funding, but Democrats say it’s too little to cover cost increases. Spirit Lake Schools Superintendent Dr. David Smith tells KUOO news he’s satisfied with the 2.5 percent…Smith & School Funding01 

137 school districts would receive less state aid due to dropping enrollment during the pandemic. House and Senate Republicans say they are negotiating additional COVID-relief funding that would address the impact the decrease in enrollment would have on those districts. Smith says that has not been an issue for Spirit Lake…Smith & School Funding02 

Dr. Smith also commented on the district’s most recent COVID numbers, which he says remain very low…Smith & School Funding03 

Spirit Lake Schools Superintendent Dr. David Smith.