Nussle's Record on EducationBy Erin Seidler, IDP
Jim Nussle revealed his plan to cut education funding and "accomplish consolidation" during an appearance before the Institute for Tomorrow's Workforce last week in Des Moines. The Des Moines Register noted that while Nussle has implied in the past that he would spend less on Iowa's schools - now he's stating publicly that cuts should be required. [Des Moines Register, 8/23/06]
Chet Culver believes those decisions should remain at the local level, with locally elected school board members and parents from the community participating, and Iowans should be skeptical when it comes to proposals like the one Nussle has made.
The talking points are below. PLEASE ALERT THE MEDIA to Jim Nussle's dangerous plan to consolidate Iowa's schools. Remember, send your letter back to Erin Seidler of the IDP, and we will feature it on our website!
School Consolidation Talking Points
1· Iowa has a long tradition of local control of schools.
2· In the 1985-1986 school year, there were 437 school districts; in the 2004-2005, there were only 367. [Quad City Times, 8/30/06]
3· Chet Culver is opposed to mandatory school consolidation. He believes in empowering local school districts to make their own decisions.
4· Jim Nussle would mandate cuts in school administration, putting Iowa school systems on the path to consolidation.
* Nussle Advocated Cutting Administration to "Accomplish Consolidation." The Des Moines Register reported that while Nussle has implied in the past that Iowa's schools cost too much, "now he's stating publicly that cuts should be required.†Nussle added, "I think there's a lot of room for consolidation of leadership and administration and bureaucracy in education," and that his plan "accomplishes consolidation." [Des Moines Register, 8/23/06, emphasis added]
Nussle has a record in Washington of failing to support education. Nussle voted for No Child Left Behind, then cut funds to implement it. He says he supports Iowa schools but voted 100 times against education in Washington. Nussle voted against new teachers, school construction, even college loans.