State Supplemental Aid or SSA is a subject of great importance to Knoxville Superintendent Cassi Murra.

So much so, that she decided to directly contact District 28 Representative Greg Heartsill on the matter. In a letter addressed to Heartsill, Murra states that a 1.25 percent increase in SSA was ‘a step backwards’ and that the proposal was ‘disheartening and discouraging.’
Murra went on to say that a 6 percent increase was ‘respectable.’ Heartsill responded to the letter, thanking Murra for sharing her thoughts regarding SSA and requested a meeting between the two to discuss the matter further.
They’re letters are available below:
Dear Representative Heartsill:
Please consider supporting our public schools in the same manner in which you advocate for our veterans, farmers, and under-privileged! Our CHILDREN need you to be a leader in your party and insist that our public schools get an increase in State Supplemental Aid that at least covers the simple cost of inflation–the rising cost of daily living. Offering up a 1.25% increase is quite simply disheartening and discouraging.
More of our students are qualifying for assistance because they live in poverty. They are entering preschool and kindergarten with fewer academic skills, less preparation and more behavior problems. We feel compelled to find ways to meet their needs but are forced to do it at the expense of other necessary programs for other students because we have not been adequately funded for the past six years. Each year the lack of funding compounds and puts stress on our system because we are truly robbing Peter to pay Paul. ALL of our children deserve to have opportunities to excel and reach their potential, but sadly, our governor and legislators are making that an impossible task.
We want to provide a “World Class Education” and build a “Culture of Excellence”. Our community benefits and thrives when we are given the resources to do our work which truly is creating our future. We have plans to expand summer school options, improve STEM courses, enhance on-line learning opportunities, and invest in career exploration and internships; however, our budget will dictate that these things be put on hold and force us to consider downsizing our current programs and staff, just to ensure we can pay our monthly bills that will be increasing with natural inflation.
Please reconsider your budget proposal. A 1.25% SSA is a step backwards when we so desperately want to be moving forward! State revenue is up, the accounts are full, and NOW is the time to fund our schools at a respectable 6% SSA increase. This would make a huge difference in maintaining current programs that are improving the achievement of our students and allow us to expand them so that Iowa can once again stand as a leader in education in the United States of America.
We need you. Please help us!
Cassi Murra
Knoxville Community School District
Superintendent
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Ms. Murra,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts regarding SSA!
As time has allowed, I have been visiting with school administrators and teachers in House District 28 to gain their input on a variety of education topics: funding, preferences on school start date, bullying legislation, etc.
I was unable to meet with you prior to Session and would like to make myself available this Friday if it works into your schedule. I have several town hall forums scheduled, but do have some time available between 1 and 4 pm.
Please let me know if we will be able to meet to discuss SSA and other legislation significant to public education.
Best regards,
Greg Heartsill
Iowa House District 28 (portions of Jasper, Marion, and Lucas Counties)