Iowa lawmakers miss school funding deadline as budget debate continues

DES MOINES, Iowa (Gray Media Iowa Capitol Bureau) - Iowa lawmakers missed their first deadline Thursday to agree on school funding levels for the 2026 school year, leaving districts uncertain about their budgets as the legislative session continues.

Under Iowa law, lawmakers are required to set per-pupil funding within 30 days of the governor’s budget proposal. That deadline passed this week without an agreement between the Republican-controlled legislature and Democratic lawmakers.

Senate Republicans approved a 1.75% increase in school funding for the upcoming year. House Speaker Pat Grassley said Thursday that House Republicans plan to amend the Senate proposal to match the governor’s 2% recommendation when lawmakers return Monday.

“At the same time we also have to look at how the money is being spent at the same time. And we have a perfect example of it from one of the largest school districts who sound like they can’t even keep track of what’s going on in their own budget,” Grassley said.

The proposed increases fall well short of the 5% that Democrats and many districts are pushing for. Educators say they will have to make cuts with the current figures, as they don’t keep up with inflation.

Iowa State Education Association President Joshua Brown said time is running short for lawmakers to finalize school funding levels.

“There’s districts who are worried about what the next year brings so they’re trying to create some stability in their funding to be able to,” Brown said.

Democrat Representative Tracy Ehlert said it’s the legislature’s role to ensure schools have enough resources to meet the need.

“It shouldn’t be afterthought when lawmakers delay action. It sends a clear message about misplaced priorities and currently districts, especially districts like mine and the Cedar Rapids Community School District,” Ehlert said.

The funding determines State Supplemental Aid, which provides the base per-student funding for school districts in the state. Until lawmakers reach a final agreement, school leaders say they will continue planning for next school year despite the uncertainty.