Guest post: If we want to fix education, fully fund public schools

It hasn’t been good news for Iowa’s public schools recently.

The Waterloo Community School District announced budget cuts of over $10 million for their upcoming school year. Then I saw that the Cedar Rapids Community School District is facing a $12 million budget deficit and is reducing 6% of its staff positions.

I wonder how our rural school districts are doing and what challenges are on the horizon.

In just over a month, here in Adair County, the doors will close on the Orient-Macksburg school. The remaining students are set to go either to Nodaway Valley or to schools in Winterset. Residents in the district went to the polls on March 4 to make it official, knowing it was the best option in front of them. But it was still a tough pill to swallow.

Then, the USDA announced they’re not continuing the Local Food for Schools and Local Food Purchase Assistance programs. There goes over $11 million in federal funds—our taxpayer money—that was largely used for schools to purchase local foods for students.

And, as the Senate and House squabble over an increase of 2% or 2.25%, schools had to submit their proposed budgets for public input on March 15, without knowing what level of funding will be allocated for the upcoming year.

What’s going on here? News like this is infuriating.

Iowa’s public schools were once top-ranked—enough a source of pride to be on our state’s quarter! And I’m just plain sad that education seems to have become a political football. Republican, Democrat, and independent families alike benefit from fully-funded, strong public schools. And our kids deserve a well-rounded education so they can grow up and thrive, not just survive.

I don’t have a problem with private schools; they can be a choice that fits some children’s needs. But we must remember that private schools aren’t held to the same standards and transparency as our public schools. And Governor Kim Reynolds’ private school vouchers, soon to be open to even our wealthiest families, are hurting our public schools, especially here in rural Iowa.

Reynolds may say she wants choice and competition, but funding our public schools at less than a 5% increase annually is like tying one hand behind their backs. That’s not a level playing field—and we’re all suffering because of it.

Every child—no matter their zip code, background, race, gender, or ability—should have an equal right to a quality education. That’s why I’m glad to be part of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement’s Public School Strong campaign. We’re calling for fully funding our public schools and supporting our local school boards to call on the legislature to correct course. Folks can learn more and join us at www.iowacci.org/pss.

Public education is the most valuable investment for the future of our communities, state, and country. Without an educated populace, everything else falls apart—business, health care, agriculture, arts, law and order. It’s more important than ever that our young people are prepared to be lifelong learners and critical thinkers. Strong public schools benefit us all—they’ve helped make our country far more equal, democratic, and educated.

Let’s get back to funding and supporting it at a level that reflects how important it is for all of us.

Barb Kalbach is a fourth-generation family farmer, retired registered nurse, and board member of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement. Barb can be reached at [email protected].