Urban Education Network of Iowa

The Urban Education Network of Iowa (UEN) is a coalition comprised  of the state's eight largest pubic school districts.  These eight districts enroll nearly 25 percent of the state's public school students.  UEN districts share distinct and unique characteristics with one common purpose, i.e. student learning.  In the belief that education is the state's highest priority, the UEN is committed to partnering with the General Assembly and Governor in a cooperative effort to provide an efficient and world class system of public education.

2010 Legislative Priorities
The Governor and General Assembly
are respectfully requested to:

Allowable Growth
Maintain the FY2011 allowable growth rate at 2 percent, and delay a decision regarding the FY2012 allowable growth rate. Equivalent state categorical funding is not a substitute for adequate allowable growth. 

Instructional Support Levy
Support calculating the instructional support program's spending authority at the board adopted instructional support program percentage.

Property Tax Equity
Support legislation that will address remaining inequities in the foundation formula, and other levies including physical plant and equipment levy, debt levy, instructional support levy, management levy, and cash reserve levy.

At Risk/Special Education
Support predictable and timely state funding for serving "at risk" students, including special education, at a level that reflects the actual cost, including programming and health care costs.

Innovation Zones
Support the establishment of "innovation zones" throughout the state allowing school board and administration the latitude to reconstitute a chronically underperforming school.

Preschool
Provide funding to ensure all three-and-four year olds have access to a high quality public school preschool program and including preschool students in the enrollment count.

Early Childhood
Support comprehensive early childhood initiatives that assure every child, beginning at birth, will be healthy and successful.