SchoolsWednesday, November 4
Johnson County supervisors decline to put the Iowa City schools' $45 million shortfall on their agenda
The Good Day Iowa City team
If you've been following the Iowa City school district's money trouble, the county board isn't stepping in. Supervisor V Fixmer-Oraiz asked colleagues at the Oct. 28 work session to set up a joint meeting, and to add a discussion item on the district's financial crisis to a future agenda, but the request didn't get support. It takes three supervisors to put an item on the agenda, and three others opposed it.
$45 millionshortfall facing the Iowa City school district
The Daily Iowan reports the district has a $45 million deficit in its SAVE fund, and closing facilities is one option the school board is considering.
Sources: The Kalona News, The Daily Iowan
Board Chair Jon Green did send a letter to school board President Ruthina Malone saying supervisors are available to talk if the board wants help. Supervisor Lisa Green-Douglass said the county needs to focus on its "own potential crisis," tied to changing state property tax laws. Supervisor Rod Sullivan called the suggestion "insulting" in his weekly newsletter.
“It's really trying to figure out, what is our lane? It's like, if you see somebody drowning, you don't just let them drown.”
- Hills Elementary closed in 2024 after district financial shortages
- County covers parts of 11 public school districts, Sullivan said
Supervisors declined a joint meeting but sent a letter
- Oct. 28Fixmer-Oraiz asks for a joint meeting; three supervisors oppose putting it on the agenda.
- Oct. 29Retired teacher Alisa Meggitt asks supervisors to help the district during public comment.
- Nov. 5Supervisors' next formal session is scheduled for 9 a.m.
Sources: The Kalona News, The Daily Iowan
Sources: The Kalona News, The Daily Iowan