Governor Terry Branstad issued his proposal for school funding at his Condition of the State address this week.

Branstad said schools should receive a 2.45% increase in State Supplemental Aid next fiscal year, which is used mostly for staff salaries, as well as additional money for the Teacher Leadership programs.

Both Pella Superintendent Greg Ebeling and Knoxville Superintendent Cassi Murra believe the Governor’s proposal is fair considering the current state budget requirements, though Murra says schools need more to keep up with last year’s lower increase.

State Senator Ken Rozenboom says the budget will remain tight, and feels many Republicans may not support that level of increase. Rozenboom does not feel optimistic a school funding decision will be made within the first 30 days of this legislative session.