March 28, 2024

Newton schools to continue participation in instructional support program

Decision marks five-year commitment

During its regular meeting Monday evening, the Newton Community School District Board voted to continue participation in the instructional support program.

The decision to continue participation in the program is a five-year commitment. The district’s current five-year plan will expire at the end of this school year. The board approved the measure after giving the public notice in late December and holding a public hearing during Monday’s meeting.

Board President Travis Padget said it was a decision of participation, not of funding amounts. When the board decides on funding specifics, the instructional support program is allowed to use up to 10 percent of the certified budget.

The program is a stream that provides general funds that can be used for supplies, staffing or regular education programs.

“When this was originally set forth, the state was contributing roughly about a third, and the districts could raise the other two-thirds through property tax or income surtax,” said Director of Business Services Gayle Isaac. “The state has, over the years, failed to fully fund their portion.”

Without the state’s contributions, the program will likely consist of about $1.2 to $1.3 million in funds, instead of about $1.9 million for the next school year.

According to the Iowa Department of Education, the total state funding is set by the legislature annually as an appropriation and could be zero.

The board also voted on Monday to approve district bills for utilities and insurance.

In addition, the resignations of certified personnel were made public. Ashley Owens, Andrew Kuker and Paige Meredith will resign at the end of this school year. Robyn Horak will resign March 17.

Deb Johnston and Lynn Schwarck will retire on May 31. Johnston is a special education teacher at Newton High School and has been with the district since 1996. Schwarck is a music teacher at Aurora Heights and Emerson Hough and was hired in 1998.

Contact Justin Jagler at 641-792-3121 ext 6532 or jjagler@newtondailynews.com