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Taxpayers in Clinton call for change to school funding formula

Taxpayers in Clinton, Iowa, are joining the call for change to the state’s school funding formula.

Taxpayers in Clinton, Iowa, are joining the call for change to the state's school funding formula.

On Monday, April 13, 2015, former school board member Les Shields addressed the Clinton Board of Education, explaining that Clinton residents pay an average of 20 percent more in property taxes than other MAC school districts.

"As with everybody else, I don't mind paying my fair share, but I don't like to pay more than somebody else for the same thing. That's not fair," said Shields.

Under Iowa law, school districts are allowed to spend a certain amount of money per student, which comes from both state aid and property taxes. Shields says that because property values are relatively low in Clinton, residents there pay a higher tax rate than many nearby districts to make up the difference.

"We need to change the formula to provide equity for the property taxpayers, and currently, that's not happening," said Shields.

Davenport Superintendent Dr. Art Tate has also been fighting the state funding formula, but for a different reason.

Davenport is allowed to spend $175 less per student than nearby districts like Bettendorf and Pleasant Valley. Tate believes all school districts in the state should be allowed to spend the same amount of money per student.

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