More than 150 delegates from the Iowa Association of School Board’s (IASB) member school boards and area education agency (AEA) boards gathered at Delegate Assembly on Nov. 16 to conduct the annual meeting, convene nominating caucuses for open seats on the IASB Board of Directors, elect a president-elect, and set the platform for the 2023 legislative session. A highlight for delegates this year was an inspirational story shared by a recent graduate from Marshalltown Schools.
Delegates approved a new public policy agenda statement, beliefs, and resolutions for the upcoming legislative session. This new policy agenda statement clearly outlines belief statements and policies that will pave the pathway to student success.
“As school board members, we know that our primary responsibility is student achievement,” said IASB Board President Jim Green, “Our leadership at the board table-and our advocacy at the statehouse-can make a difference for Iowa students. We call on our elected officials to put in place education policies and investments that can help students discover their full potential and reach a successful future.”
Below are belief statements from the newly adopted Success for All Students- Public Policy Agenda of Iowa School Boards. Read the full policy agenda with policy improvements attached to each belief statement.
* We believe that literacy is the building block for student achievement and student success.
* We believe that a high-quality teacher workforce is necessary for student achievement.
* We believe that expanded opportunities through public schools will provide students with diverse and engaging educational experiences.
* We believe that student, educator, and staff mental health needs must be addressed to improve student achievement, reduce dropout rates, and maintain a high-quality workforce.
* We believe that every student deserves to learn, and every staff member deserves to work, in a safe and secure environment.
* We believe supplemental state aid is a critical component to student success by providing districts with adequate general fund resources.
* We believe schools must be open and welcoming to all students, and fully accountable and transparent in order to receive taxpayer dollars.
This policy agenda reflects the beliefs and resolutions in the complete legislative platform. In addition to approving the 2023 legislative platform, delegates elected Jesse Howard, from New London Schools, as the IASB Board
President-elect.
IASB’s Delegate Assembly is a vital link connecting board members and legislative issues. The resolutions’ process gives each school board the opportunity to suggest priorities for the platform, then vote on the final platform and public policy statement. Each board appoints one board member as delegate to represent their board’s views.
