Statement of Collaboration: The School Administrators of Iowa's platform was developed in the context and with consideration of the needs of the other members of the PK-16 educational community as well as the overall state budget. We believe that public education is a significant factor in Iowa's economy and a key component to the quality of life we enjoy in this state. A good education is a powerful economic development tool. As a major segment of the state's budget, education is an investment in our future.  

Mission Statement: SAI's mission is to support, encourage and develop Iowa's leaders and learners.  

Major issues:

Allowable Growth: This is the most important priority for public education. It is time for Iowa to come back to a leadership role in national education. The first step would be to set the next growth rate at 6 percent. There needs to be a recognition that 4 percent allowable growth coupled with 2 percent categorical funding is not equal to 6 percent allowable growth.  The Legislature needs to establish a plan to get Iowa public school funding to the national average per pupil expenditure.

AEA Funding: Their funding needs to be increased to make up for past shortfalls, and additional funds should be allocated whenever the AEAs are asked to perform additional tasks. The AEAs face the same difficulty as PK-12 districts in securing staff and thus should be part of the market factor legislation.   

Funding Formula: The formula should be fully funded and altered to include special areas that are funded outside of the formula, e.g. Instructional Support, Teacher/Administrator Quality, Class Size and Early Childhood Education.

SILO Repeal/Penny Replacement: Statewide implementation is strongly supported by SAI.  This action should hold harmless the counties that have already approved the tax. The statewide penny would establish per pupil equity for facility funding in Iowa. The additional resources generated when the penny sales tax becomes statewide could be used to address a number of state funding needs. One example is increased funding of the school foundation amount which would help property tax equity and give school districts more flexibility in working together.   

PPEL Fund: SAI supports the expansion of PPEL uses to include major transportation equipment repairs and the purchase of software for computer programs.

Class Size Reduction Funding: The funding of this legislation should be done prior to contract deadlines to prevent unnecessary staff layoffs. This funding mechanism has shown its value and should become part of the funding formula.   

Other key issues for consideration:

Professional Development: Research reflects that quality professional development is a significant contributor to improved student performance. The Legislature needs to continue to support additional contract time, funding for developing quality professional development activities, and funding for the DE and AEAs to allow them to coordinate and deliver quality professional development.  

Educator Quality/Compensation: We encourage the Legislature to continue to fund the present mentoring and induction program for teachers and to implement the remainder of the program when ongoing funding is available. Funding for Administrator Quality with an emphasis on tying performance expectations to the Iowa Standards for School Leaders should be continued. Mandated administrator mentoring should include superintendents and be increased to two years. Also funding for an Administrator Academy should be sought.  

Incentives: SAI feels that financial incentives can be very effective for expediting high school reform, regionalizing high schools, voluntary district reorganizations, creating administrative efficiencies, and fostering collaborations with community colleges. The statewide sales tax could provide infrastructure for many of these efforts.   

Early Childhood Education: We believe the funding should be continued and expanded to include every child. As we approach funding for every child, a mechanism should be developed to provide funding for districts that started programs prior to the availability of state funds. This funding should become part of the formula. Results should continue to be quanitifed and the best methods developed to deliver this programming. Research shows the rewards in student performance will be identifiable and significant, and savings in special education and human services costs will more than pay for the investment down the road.     

Before- and After-School Programming: As early childhood programs increase, the demand for programs before and after school will also increase. More funding is needed to assist community collaborative programs that pool facility and financial resources to provide before- and after-school programs that support the early childhood programs, child care and program enrichment.

IPERS: SAI supports legislation that would provide a method to fully fund the IPERS program. We favor the present 60 percent being paid by the employer and 40 percent by the employee. Necessary increases for the employer should be allowed to be paid from the management fund. A plan should be implemented to increase the maximum years paid from 35 to 40.  

Non-Teacher/Paraprofessionals: These professionals are a vital part of any district and funding should be sufficient to pay these staff members a competitive wage.

Enrollment Changes: A method needs to be developed that recognizes the changes in enrollments. A graduated method that cushions the effect of increases/decreases in enrollment could greatly aid in stabilizing programming and staffing.  

Market Factor Pay: These funds need to be directed by the district/AEA and sufficient to address hard-to-fill positions, provide incentives for additional preparation for existing staff and pursue sharing of staff with other educational institutions.  

SAI strongly supports the concept that adequate funding for programs, professional development, facilities, equipment, supplies, salaries and benefits is the best way to attract and retain the best and brightest educators, and students in Iowa.