The Sioux City Community School District Board of Directors voted Aug. 11 to adopt its 2025–26 legislative priorities, urging a minimum 5% increase in Supplemental State Aid (SSA) and highlighting teacher recruitment and retention, preschool and early literacy funding, and changes to the state’s Education Savings Account (ESA) law.

Why it matters: The board said a 5% SSA increase is necessary to help offset inflation and rising costs for supplies and labor, and to maintain district programs. The board also asked legislators to consider transparency and rules to ensure public funding intended for public schools stays with public education despite ESA provisions.

What was approved: The adopted priorities are (1) an SSA increase of at least 5% for the 2025–26 school year and timely setting of SSA under statutory guidelines, (2) increased funding and policies to support employee recruitment and retention including teacher salaries and compensation for new and current staff, (3) focus on early literacy and fully funding pre‑K programs, and (4) legislation addressing issues the ESA law presents, especially transparency and returning funding to public schools.

Discussion and context: Superintendent Dr. Juan Cordova reviewed the packet and said the priorities will guide the district’s legislative forums beginning in January. Board members discussed state revenue trends and the broader fiscal context. Director Greenwell and others warned state revenues and sales tax receipts have trended downward and that funding pressures will make advocacy “early and often” important. Board members noted the Urban Education Network (UEN), of which the district is a founding member, will also advocate on similar items.

Action taken: A motion to approve the 2025–26 legislative priorities was moved, seconded and approved by the board during the meeting.

Background details: Board members referenced leaders and advocates who will work on these priorities, including UEN representatives. The board said they may fine‑tune the list later in the fall after school starts and as the legislative debate about funding evolves.

Ending: With the priorities adopted, the district plans to use them as the basis for its legislative forums and outreach to state legislators during the 2025–26 session.