Some 1,300 school superintendents and school board members from across Iowa are in Des Moines for the annual conference of the Iowa Association of School Boards. Association spokeswoman Margaret Buckton says the attendees voted yesterday on their legislative priorities, things they want brought to state lawmakers when the session opens in January.
Buckton says key issues include: allowable growth or the per-pupil cost that the state pays school districts, professional development training for teachers and the core curriculum which is designed "to raise expectations for students clear across the K-12 education spectrum."
Governor Chet Culver will speak at the convention this afternoon, addressing the condition of Iowa’s schools and the future direction. Buckton says there will be special awards presented on Friday.
The Corning Community School District is winning an award for student achievement while Waverly-Shell Rock will be recognized for its support of the fine arts. Buckton says those attending the convention will be involved in any of some three-dozen workshops throughout the day. She says the break-out sessions cover topics like school finances, raising graduation rates, school improvements and joint programs with community colleges.
The convention is underway at the Polk County Convention Center through Friday afternoon.