"The budget surprise Gov. Chet Culver promised Iowa's school officials Tuesday was one they actually welcomed, but it left one important question:
How realistic is it?
Culver said the budget he will send to legislators later this month will include money to back up a 2 percent education spending increase that had been approved by state lawmakers for the budget year that begins July 1. That's about $70 million."
How realistic is it?
Culver said the budget he will send to legislators later this month will include money to back up a 2 percent education spending increase that had been approved by state lawmakers for the budget year that begins July 1. That's about $70 million."
He also wants to give schools $100 million from the state's cash reserves, nearly one-quarter of the state reserves projected for next year. Amounts would be determined by the state school-aid formula.
"This will be a real shot in the arm for some of our schools, especially in rural districts, which are already cash-strapped, with depleted reserves," Culver said in his Condition of the State speech.
School supporters applauded Culver's message but questioned whether he can back it up."They are so far in the hole," Washington Superintendent Dave Sextro said. "Where are they going to get that money?"
"This will be a real shot in the arm for some of our schools, especially in rural districts, which are already cash-strapped, with depleted reserves," Culver said in his Condition of the State speech.
School supporters applauded Culver's message but questioned whether he can back it up."They are so far in the hole," Washington Superintendent Dave Sextro said. "Where are they going to get that money?"
Leaders of the state's largest teachers union said the extra money could help save teachers' jobs.