Educators at public schools state-wide feel funding has fallen short of the need in recent years. In response, the Iowa Association of School Boards has launched “The Promise of Iowa” campaign to rally support for public schools, and they recently added the Highland School District to their list of supporters. At their most recent meeting, the Highland School Board unanimously approved a resolution of support for the campaign. Superintendent Chris Armstrong explains, “The Iowa Association of School Boards is trying to unite all the districts in an effort to make a strong case for why public education is important, (and) the return on investment that the legislatures would experience if they determined to fund public education at higher levels. Right now, it’s very difficult for us in public education to really do all the things that we need to do for our students, because funding just hasn’t been there.”
The campaign hopes to get supplemental aid at state levels for schools such as Highland, so they can serve students better. According to Armstrong, their emphasis is on the fact that money invested today in Iowa’s youth will pay big dividends in the years to come. The resolution of support the school board approved promises the district’s involvement in the campaign. Armstrong says the district may do additional things in regards to helping the Highland community understand what the campaign is all about, and what their role can be in helping legislators understand the need for supporting public education. To learn more about “The Promise of Iowa” campaign or to get involved, click on the link below.