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Spencer School Board Presses Lawmakers on School Funding Issues

Spencer School Board Presses Lawmakers on School Funding Issues

Photo: Saga Communications


Spencer, Iowa (NorthwestIowaNow.com) — The Spencer School Board met last Wednesday, December 10th with local state lawmakers—Senators Lynn Evans and David Rowley, and Representative John Wills—to air crucial district concerns ahead of the upcoming legislative session in Des Moines.

Board President Bob Whittenburg and Board member Phil Beiber both pressed the lawmakers on income tax reform, property tax reform and how it affects schools, and the ESA funds going to private schools.

The board also pushed back on potential legislation to cap the district’s Management Fund, which holds reserves for large expenses like insurance.

Superintendent Terry Hemann explained that the fund’s end-of-year balance is misleading because major insurance premiums are due immediately after July 1st, meaning the district requires flexibility in that fund for cash flow.

Lawmakers have now returned to Des Moines to begin their committee work before the general session opens.

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