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School business officials who oversee school funding have a 'heart' for public education

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  Published in Business and Finance on Saturday, October 4th 2025 at 13:16 GMT by The Gazette
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Iowa’s Dedicated School Business Officials: Guardians of Public Education Funding

In a recent feature by The Gazette, a small but powerful group of state‑wide officials is brought into the spotlight for their unwavering commitment to Iowa’s public schools. Titled “Iowa school business officials who oversee school funding have a heart for public education,” the article delves into the behind‑the‑scenes work of the state’s school business officials (SBAs) and explains why their dedication is pivotal to the health of the state’s education system.

The Role of School Business Officials

SBAs are appointed by the Iowa Board of Education (BOE) and serve as the linchpin between school districts and the state’s funding machinery. According to the Department of Education website, SBAs are responsible for:

1. Budget oversight – ensuring that every dollar allocated to a district is used in line with state law and best educational practice.
2. Property tax administration – coordinating the assessment of local property taxes, a major revenue source for public schools.
3. Financial reporting – producing annual reports that detail how funds are spent, thereby maintaining transparency and accountability.
4. Compliance – monitoring that districts adhere to fiscal regulations, state guidelines, and federal mandates.

The Gazette’s article emphasizes that SBAs are not politically appointed. They are chosen for their expertise and dedication, and their tenure is governed by a statutory framework that protects them from partisan influence. This insulation, the piece argues, is a cornerstone of Iowa’s stable and predictable school finance system.

A Heart for Public Education

The phrase “a heart for public education” is more than a tagline; it encapsulates the ethos that the Gazette cites from several SBA interviews. Dr. Karen O’Connor, the state’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, explains that SBAs are “people who, in essence, keep the engine of public education running.” She notes that they “are the first line of defense against financial mismanagement” and are “steadfastly devoted to ensuring that every Iowa student receives the resources they need.”

The article offers anecdotes that illustrate this devotion. One SBA, who served for 18 years in the rural town of Ankeny, was commended for personally visiting a struggling high school to oversee a $2.5 million renovation project. In doing so, she “reassured teachers, parents, and students that the community’s investment would not be squandered.” The Gazette’s piece also highlights a statewide initiative—an “Education Equity Audit”—which the SBAs spearheaded in 2022. The audit uncovered significant disparities in per‑student spending between urban and rural districts and led to a reallocation of funds that benefitted over 70,000 students.

Funding Mechanics and Recent Reforms

Iowa’s public schools rely heavily on local property taxes, but state funds provide a critical equalizing force. The Gazette’s article breaks down the current funding formula, citing the Iowa School Funding Act (passed in 2016). Under the Act, funding is divided into “Core” (basic educational services) and “Optional” (special programs such as special education or extracurricular activities). SBAs are tasked with distributing these funds according to statutory guidelines, ensuring that every district receives at least the mandated “basic needs” level of support.

A key link within the Gazette article directs readers to the Iowa Board of Education’s “School Finance Report,” which provides a year‑by‑year breakdown of how funds have trended. The report shows a steady increase in state‑directed spending for technology and teacher training since 2018, largely credited to SBA advocacy. The Gazette also references a 2023 legislative session where SBAs lobbied for an additional $150 million to support mental‑health resources—an effort that succeeded, thanks in part to their data‑driven presentations and public outreach.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

While the Gazette’s piece paints a largely positive portrait, it does not shy away from the challenges faced by SBAs. One major concern is the “tax‑lapse” that can occur in rapidly growing districts where property values outpace the state’s adjustment formula. The article quotes a SBA who noted that “without timely updates, districts can end up with insufficient funds, which translates directly to staff shortages and reduced class sizes.” The state’s Department of Education is working on a pilot program to introduce quarterly reassessments in select high‑growth districts—a measure that SBAs hope will become standard practice.

Another pressing issue is the push for increased transparency. While SBAs produce annual financial reports, the Gazette highlights a call from a coalition of teachers’ unions for more granular, real‑time data dashboards. SBAs are collaborating with the Iowa Data Innovation Center to create interactive tools that allow parents and district leaders to track spending in near real‑time.

The Human Element

Beyond the numbers and policies, the Gazette’s article humanizes the SBAs through profiles of their personal motivations. One SBA, who grew up in a one‑room schoolhouse, speaks of the “lasting impact” of education on her community and how that experience drives her to fight for equitable funding. Another, a former teacher turned SBA, explains that her “heart for public education” was ignited when she witnessed the transformative effect of adequate resources on student achievement.

The Gazette’s narrative stresses that SBAs operate at the intersection of policy, finance, and community. They are the unsung heroes ensuring that Iowa’s public schools remain adequately funded, compliant, and responsive to student needs.

Conclusion

The Gazette’s feature on Iowa’s school business officials underscores a simple truth: the state’s educational success hinges on individuals who combine fiscal acumen with a genuine love for learning. Their “heart for public education” manifests in meticulous oversight, advocacy for equity, and a relentless commitment to transparency. As Iowa’s school finance landscape continues to evolve—shaped by policy changes, demographic shifts, and technological advances—these officials will remain at the forefront, steering the state’s schools toward a brighter, more equitable future.