School funding was a contentious issue in the 2015 Iowa Legislative Session.
A compromise, which includes a 1.25 percent per pupil increase and $55.7 million in one-time funding, passed one month after the scheduled session end date. Superintendent Greg Ebeling says any extra money will help, but with declining enrollment, Pella’s schools will likely feel severe impacts next budget season. He says that one-time money would amount to roughly an additional $233,000 for the district, but the funds can’t be used for personnel. State Representative Guy Vander Linden says the extra boost for schools means there was less available for other state programs. Governor Terry Branstad said last Monday that he does not support one-time funding proposals, and has until the first week in July to veto the line-item if decides to do so.