Education
State funding increased modestly:
In Feb 2025, the Iowa House approved a 2.25% per-pupil increase in State Supplemental Aid (SSA), later settled at a 2% rate by the Senate—adding around \$157 per student for the 2025–26 year ([Iowa Capital Dispatch][1]).
Total education appropriations:
Senate File 647 allocated $1.033 billion to K–12 and higher education—up $14.1 million (1.4%) from FY 2025 ([ia-sb.org][2]).
Included:
$7.5M for community colleges, $5.5M for public universities, and $14M for paraeducator pay using sports wagering funds ([Iowa Capital Dispatch][3]).
Equity challenges persist:
Many schools—especially rural districts—remain under-resourced. Iowa's per-student spending reached about $13,800 in FY 2023 but still ranks 28th nationally, failing to keep pace with inflation ([Axios][4]).
Pressure on categorical funding:
Budget changes cut $25 million from shared AEA funds and eliminated other vital supports, even as funding for private school vouchers (ESAs) grew by $96 million to $314 million ([uen-ia.org][5]).
Support for vulnerable students is lacking:
Iowa saw nearly 40,000 English Language Learners (7.7% of K–12) last year, but federal supplements for this group are frozen—leaving districts short on critical ESL supports ([Axios][6]).