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Department of Education lists off possible consequences for Davenport Superintendent

The Iowa Department of Education has responded to the Davenport Superintendent’s announcement on Monday on his intent to violate state law. In a school bo...

The Iowa Department of Education has responded to the Davenport Superintendent's announcement on Monday on his intent to violate state law.

In a school board meeting on Monday, March 9, Dr. Art Tate, Davenport superintendent, announced his intent to break the law by dipping into the district reserve funds of $29 million for the 2016-2017 fiscal school year.

The School Board President, Ralph Johanson said they fully support the Superintendent's actions and do not plan on firing him.

However an Iowa Board of Education spokesperson said if Dr. Tate follows through on his announcement, there will be harsh penalties.

"We can respect that there are many points of view on the issue of funding for Iowa's schools, but we can't support or condone a school district's decision to violate the law. If there is a follow-through, there will be consequences," said Stacy Hupp Ballard, Communications Director for the Iowa Department of Education.

Ballard said there are three penalties the Iowa Department of Education could consider if Dr. Tate follows through on his intent.

They could report his illegal action to local law enforcement.

They could file and ethical complaint against Dr. Tate to the Davenport School Board of Examiners, possibly leading to the loss of his license.

They could also file a Phase Two Audit against the Davenport School District, which could take away the district's accreditation and lead to its dissolution.

"We have an obligation and responsibility to enforce education laws in the state," said Ballard. "He can't just break an education law and not face a penalty for that."

Ballard said right now, no decision has been made because the Superintendent has not broken any laws yet.

Get more coverage of the budget shortfall Davenport Schools face – click here.

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