Iowa Boosts K-12 Funding by 2% for Next Year

Republicans approve plan to increase state spending per student to over $8,100

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Iowa's public K-12 schools will receive a 2% increase in general state support for the upcoming school year, bringing total state spending per student to more than $8,100. The Republican-led Iowa House and Senate approved the funding plan, which will also provide over $8,100 per student for state-funded Education Savings Accounts used for private school tuition.

Why it matters

The funding increase comes as Democrats criticize Republicans for prioritizing private school choice over public school needs, with some public schools facing potential staff cuts and consolidations.

The details

The 2% funding boost for public K-12 schools was approved by Republican majorities in both the Iowa House and Senate, and will now go to the governor for final approval. The increased state spending per student also applies to the state's Education Savings Account program, which provides taxpayer funds for private school tuition.

  • The Iowa House approved the funding plan late last week.
  • The Iowa Senate voted to send the plan to the governor on Monday.

The players

Molly Donahue

A Democratic state senator from Cedar Rapids who criticizes the Republican plan for prioritizing private school funding over public school needs.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Republicans are opening the state's checkbook for private schools while telling Iowa's public schools to cut staff and consider consolidations.”

— Molly Donahue, State Senator (Radio Iowa)

What’s next

The governor is expected to sign the funding plan into law in the coming days.

The takeaway

The 2% funding boost for Iowa's public K-12 schools highlights the ongoing debate over the balance between public school and private school funding, with Democrats criticizing the Republican-backed plan as prioritizing private education over the needs of the state's public school system.