At its regular monthly meeting Wednesday night, the Storm Lake Community School District Board of Education turned its attention to legislative priorities for the Iowa Association of School Boards, with a focus on preschool access, mental health services, sustainable school funding and supplemental state aid.
Superintendent Dr. Stacey Cole made it clear that early childhood education remains a top concern.
Board members expressed frustration over the lack of legislative progress on preschool, despite broad support. Board Chair David Skibsted also says early childhood education should be a top priority.
Mental health services also sparked discussion, especially regarding students whose needs exceed what school-based therapy programs can provide.
Board member Erika Dierking underscored the urgency of securing reliable supplemental state aid, noting that dwindling federal support has left districts stretched thin.
Concerns about proposed property tax changes and their impact on future school projects rounded out the discussion.
The board agreed to submit four key priorities to the IASB and called for stronger advocacy efforts. Dierking says the district needs to keep advocating for sustainable funding.
The board hopes these priorities will gain traction ahead of the upcoming legislative session.
