DES MOINES (AP) — House lawmakers have approved a plan to water down Gov. Terry Branstad’s education proposals.
In a 51-44 vote, legislators approved the bill Wednesday. Republicans in the House education committee last week scaled back Branstad’s education plan, which aims to improve Iowa schools by boosting minimum teacher pay and offering bonuses to senior teachers who take on tasks like mentoring. Under the revisions, school districts could opt-out of the reform.
Lawmakers also approved an amendment to the legislation Tuesday that would provide 2 percent increases to general school funding in the next two school years.