Decorah Community Schools budget still up in the air

The Decorah Community School District has set April 13, 6:00 pm, as the time for a public hearing regarding the 2015-16 budget.

The proposed budget of nearly $30.5 million is a slight decrease from last year, with a tax levy of $15.08628 per $1,000 taxable valuation - very comparable to last year and remaining a lower rate that six years ago. Taxable valuations in the District, however, have increased by about $7.5 million from last year. The budget is based on a 4% allowable growth figure, now known as supplemental state aid.

The big issue is what the Iowa Legislature will approve in terms of allowable growth. The Republican controlled House and Governor Branstad seem to be set on a 1.25% figure. District officials say that amount would not allow them to keep pace with established salary and benefit schedules.

The District is required by law to submit their budget to Courthouse by April 15. Notably, the Iowa Legislature is 13 months behind the legal date established for them to set state funding for education, so it makes it very difficult for school districts to budget and comply with the law from their end.