That's what scares us. Leaders of the Republican-controlled Legislature say that they had hoped to do more for schools this session, but that considering tight budget times, Iowa schools fared well. Budgets have been slashed in virtually every area of state government, but K-12 education has largely been spared, Lamberti said. Meanwhile, universities, the Department of Human Services and other state agencies face cuts. The extra money is not enough to ease the pain, state educators say.
Some districts say they are delaying computer purchases and cutting programs.
Some schools say they may have to fire teachers, while others have imposed hiring freezes. The legislative session, which began in January, started with a bipartisan pledge to increase teacher salaries. Gov. Tom Vilsack made education the centerpiece of his annual Condition of the State address. Republicans also said raising pay was a top priority. The money in the fiscal 2002 budget would be untouchable, they said.