March 19, 2024

Response to Waterman’s letter

I want to thank Mr. Waterman for his recent letter to the editor inquiring about state school funding.

While the “Regular Program” amount for schools is $6,366 for the 2014-15 school year ($2.93 billion statewide for one school year), there are actually 26 other funds and levies that make up the full per pupil amount of $9,892 ($1.78 billion total, statewide). http://www.educateiowa.gov. Combined, the state spent $4.7 billion statewide on K-12 funding last year alone.

I’ve been committed to supporting legislation that puts a greater emphasis on Iowa’s education system. I’ve supported freezing tuition at our state universities, increased funding for Iowa’s community college system by 22 percent and made investments in our K-12 system so much that the state share of education funding is at its highest level in the last 30 years.

Again, thanks to Mr. Waterman for his inquiry. I hope you and all of the residents of district 27 would feel free to contact me directly, I’d be happy to provide any information you’re looking for.  Email joel.fry@legis.iowa.gov.