ANALYSIS: North Winneshiek's problems are financial

A study by the Iowa Department of Education has concluded that North Winneshiek School District won't be financially able to continue under its current set-up after the 2017 school year.

The State of Iowa does not require small school districts to consolidate with larger school districts.  But North Winn Superintendent Tim Dugger noted Tuesday night that the state legislature has approved financial incentives for school districts that share programs.

For instance, any school district reaching an agreement with a neighboring school district for whole grade sharing is able to keep 18 percent of the per student funding the state gives to school districts.  That means that if North Winneshiek expands its whole grade sharing with Decorah to 5th through 12th grade or 6th through 12th grade, North Winneshiek would be able to keep some of the state aid for those 6th through 8th grade or 7th through 8th grade students.

Dugger emphasized that North Winneshiek is maintaining its educational quality.  The district is one of just two school districts served by Keystone AEA to have met the No Child Left Behind standards.  North Winneshiek parents on Tuesday night praised the work of teachers at North Winn and School Board President Brenda Kreiner noted that the North Winn building remains in sound condition.