March 29, 2024

Heartsill supports public schools

While countless hours have been spent focusing on the presidential race, our voting decisions regarding our local elected officials affect our day-to-day lives much more — particularly in funding for public education, as it affects numerous citizens both as parents and as taxpayers.  While practicing as a school business official for more than a decade, I can attest that the most important part of managing school funds is to maintain consistency and predictability.

Throughout our local statehouse race, Greg Heartsill has received criticism for his votes regarding public schools. I can tell you that, in my interactions with Mr. Heartsill, he has been very devoted to giving public schools the tools they need to succeed. He understands the need for consistent and predictable funding to avoid causing mid-year reductions like what happened in 2009.

Additionally, he supported critical transportation, at-risk students and teacher leadership funding.  In fact, he is one of the few legislators that was quick to say how the ballooning Medicaid budget was crippling the State’s ability to fund public education. His astute identification of the root of the problem gives me confidence that he is the right man to fix it.

Chad Vink
Pella