The Washington School Board has signed a resolution joining nine other districts calling on the state for an increase in Supplemental Student Aid. The resolution was passed six to one with board member Brendan DeLong voting no. 

At their Wednesday meeting, the board heard comments from representatives with Public School Strong and the Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement. 

The group also submitted a letter to the board which stated they are “urging the Governor of lowa and State Legislature to fully fund public schools by an annual 5% increase of State Supplemental Aid, to maintain an income cap for ESAs, to phase out the ESA voucher program over the next five years, and to use public funds for public schools only.” 

The letter goes on to state, “At lowa CCI, we believe that every child – no matter their zip code, identity, background, race, gender, or ability – has a right to a high-quality public education. That means fully funding all our public schools, urban and rural alike.” The resolution stated that Iowa’s ESAs have cost Iowa taxpayers $129 million in 2023-24, $218 million in 2024-2025, and is estimated to cost $315 million in 2025-26. 

The Iowa Senate passed a bill Monday increasing state education funding by 1.75% per pupil. Iowa schools have typically received a 2% annual funding increase from the state. 

Washington joins Bennett, Cedar Falls, South Tama, Urbandale, Cedar Rapids, Keokuk, Decorah, Albia, and Belmond-Klemme in signing this resolution.