Board

Bettendorf Board of Education

Link to 2018-2019 Board Brochure | Public Input at Board Meetings Form

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2018-2019 Legislative Priorities

SPECIAL EDUCATION -STATE

Supports predictable and timely state funding to serve students receiving special education services at a level that reflects the actual cost including educational programming and health care costs. Multiple count dates each year for allocation purposes to assist in additional costs due to increased special education enrollment during the school year.

SPECIAL EDUCATION - FEDERAL

Supports the federal commitment to fund 40 percent of the cost of educating students receiving special education services, and requests that the federal government fulfill that commitment by increasing funding a minimum of 8 percent per year until the 40 percent figure is achieved.

SAVE (SECURE AN ADVANCED VISION FOR EDUCATION)

Supports repeal of the December 31, 2029 sunset on the statewide penny sales tax for school infrastructure. Supports preserving the integrity of the statewide penny sales tax for school infrastructure including the tax equity provisions in the following manner:

• No diversions or expansions of allowable uses prior to the current 2029 sunset date;
• Continued growth in the per pupil amount beyond the 2029 sunset date.

SUPPLEMENTAL STATE AID

Supports setting supplemental state aid:

• For FY 2019, by January 31, 2018;
• For FY 2020 and future budget years, at least 14 months prior to the certification of the school’s district budgets; and
• at a rate that sufficiently supports local districts’ efforts to plan, create and sustain world-class schools

Supports a formula driven method for establishing the supplemental state aid growth rate if it is not set within the statutory requirements.

EARLY LITERACY

Supports the continued development of and funding for research on best practices for improving proficiency in early literacy strategies. Supports continued funding for professional development and classroom intervention strategies focused on implementing best practices for early literacy in grades PK-3. Supports the continuation of programs currently funded by the early intervention block grant program with flexibility to use those funds for other K-3 literacy programs if approved by the school board.

SCHOOL CALENDARS

Supports the authority of locally elected school boards to determine the school calendar to best meet student needs, including start dates, year round schools, and other innovations

MENTAL HEALTH

Supports increased statewide access to and funding for mental health services for children