Oskaloosa School Board Says It’s In To Early Childhood Development Center

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The Oskaloosa School Board gave its verbal commitment to potentially providing up to 7.5 million dollars of the projected 24 million dollar early childhood development and recreation center.

The District is bound by Dillons Rule, which is very specific in how schools can use dollars, versus Home Rule, which governs municipalities like the city and county governments that give more flexibility in use of tax dollars.

The City of Oskaloosa has yet to openly state their commitment level to the project, but is expected to be near 10 million dollars, leaving 6 million dollars of commitment for the project unspoken for.

The non-binding statement of intent to be a part of the project comes at a critical juncture after the Mahaska County Board of Supervisors expressed their desire to not take part in the project.

The Oskaloosa Schools Superintendent said the county could still say they would be a part of the project.

The Board also heard information about Instructional Support Levy.

The Instructional Support Levy (ISL) is available to schools to increase the spending authority of the general fund.

The general fund of the school district is the primary fund that supports teaching and learning for students.

The ISL can be supported through an addition to the local property levy rate or through income surtax.

The Oskaloosa School Board took no action on the levy, as Tuesday night was an opportunity for the board to learn more about the options to the district before the current ISL expires.

Also approved was the out-of-state trip that could see Oskaloosa students once again traveling to China. The cost for the students is being offset by financial assistance from Musco.