Democrats Say Freeze Would Prompt School Layoffs

Tools

By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Feb 10, 2011 at 2:01 PM CDT

Story Updated: Feb 10, 2011 at 2:01 PM CDT

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Legislative Democrats say they've surveyed Iowa school superintendents and found that a proposed freeze in basic state aid to schools would lead to widespread layoffs and larger classes.

Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstal, of Council Bluffs, says superintendents from 259 of Iowa's 358 school districts responded to the survey. More than 80 percent say they would lay off teachers and other staffers if a freeze supported by Republican Gov. Terry Branstad becomes law.

The House approved a measure freezing state aid to local schools for the next two years, but Gronstal told reporters Thursday the Senate likely will approve a 2 percent increase for schools next week. Although the House approved the freeze, lawmakers also voted to give schools an additional $47 million to prevent some property tax increases.

Next Article Man Arrested for OWI with Zebra, Parrot in Front Seat of Truck

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.

read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Crime, sexual abuse, property fires, automobile accidents, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.