ITR Report Card gives parents, school board members, and taxpayers clear, easy-to-use data on student achievement and school spending across Iowa. Use this site to compare academic performance, track trends, and start conversations that drive real improvement for students—while ensuring responsible use of public dollars.
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Key Takeaways from the March 2026 Special Election: 11 of 12 public measures approved Only South Winneshiek rejected a PPEL increase Highest turnout was around 35% while the lowest turnout was 2% Overall turnout was just 4.6% Voter Turnout Turnout in the March special election remained extremely low across the…
30-Second Summary: On March 3, 2026, voters in 12 Iowa school districts will decide public measures affecting property taxes and long-term school spending, including nine PPEL increases or renewals and three Revenue Purpose Statements (RPS). If approved, these measures could represent more than $150 million in potential property tax collections over the…
30-Second Summary: School boards control spending and every budget involves choices. While administrators draft proposals, boards hold the legal responsibility to set priorities. Claims that “we have no choice” should be questioned, because budgeting always involves tradeoffs in programs, staffing, compensation, benefits, and district structure. Spending decisions should be evaluated…
30-Second Summary: Iowa school districts such as Boone and Cedar Rapids are proposing major budget cuts, yet their per-pupil spending has risen sharply over the past five years and now sits well above the national average, with Iowa averaging over $22,000 per student. This growth was driven largely by school…
Student enrollment declined in 2025: Iowa’s K–12 enrollment in public, charter, and private schools fell by about 1 percent in 2025, driven primarily by a 1.5 percent drop—more than 7,000 students—in public school enrollment. Public school trends drive overall enrollment, not private school growth: While private school enrollment increased modestly...
