Washington School Board Calls for Increased State Education Funding

Resolution joins 9 other districts in urging 5% annual boost to Supplemental Student Aid

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Washington School Board has signed a resolution joining nine other Iowa school districts in calling on the state government to increase annual Supplemental Student Aid funding for public schools by 5%. The resolution, which passed 6-1, cites concerns over the rising costs of the state's Education Savings Account (ESA) voucher program, which is estimated to cost taxpayers $315 million in 2025-26.

Why it matters

This resolution reflects growing concerns among Iowa's public school districts about the state's funding priorities, with districts arguing that increased investment in public education is needed to ensure equitable access to high-quality learning opportunities for all students, regardless of their background or location.

The details

The Washington School Board heard comments from representatives of advocacy groups Public School Strong and Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, who submitted a letter urging the state to fully fund public schools with a 5% annual increase in Supplemental Student Aid. The resolution also noted that Iowa's ESA voucher program is estimated to cost taxpayers $315 million in 2025-26.

  • The Washington School Board passed the resolution on Wednesday, February 13, 2026.
  • The Iowa Senate passed a bill on Monday increasing state education funding by 1.75% per pupil, lower than the 5% increase called for in the resolution.

The players

Washington School Board

The governing body of the Washington Community School District in Iowa, which passed a resolution calling for increased state education funding.

Public School Strong

An advocacy group that submitted a letter to the Washington School Board urging the state to fully fund public schools.

Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement

A community organization that co-signed the letter to the Washington School Board calling for increased state education funding and the phasing out of the state's ESA voucher program.

Brendan DeLong

A Washington School Board member who voted against the resolution.

Iowa Senate

The state legislative body that passed a bill increasing state education funding by 1.75% per pupil.

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What they’re saying

“At Iowa CCI, we believe that every child – no matter their zip code, identity, background, race, gender, or ability – has a right to a high-quality public education. That means fully funding all our public schools, urban and rural alike.”

— Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement (Letter to Washington School Board)

What’s next

The Washington School Board's resolution will now be submitted to the Iowa Governor and State Legislature, who will consider the request for a 5% annual increase in Supplemental Student Aid as part of the state's ongoing budget negotiations.

The takeaway

This resolution highlights the growing divide between Iowa's public school districts and state policymakers over education funding priorities, with districts arguing that increased investment in public schools is necessary to ensure equitable educational opportunities for all students.