We have both devoted our lives to education and haven’t been active in political elections. We can no longer sit on the sidelines.

Public education in Iowa was admired because we ranked in the top 5 states in the 1990’s, fell to 13th out of the 50 states in 2024 and are currently in the bottom half at 27th. That rapid fall was shocking to us!

After Googling for more information, we found that the state legislature has only budgeted a 2% increase each year since 2012. They voted to increase the money going to parents using vouchers by 4.11% last year.

All districts, including South Tama, are affected. A 2% increase does not keep pace with inflation, cost of utilities, the rise in fuel expenses, health insurance, etc. The list goes on. We can all relate.

The legislature also passed new mandates to improve education but did not provide the funding to implement those mandates.

School finance is a complicated issue, and we need a representative that will educate themselves and fight for quality education for ALL students! For Democracy to survive, we need an educated electorate. Support for public schools is in dire need of stronger voices in order to regain Iowa’s status as a top tier state for our students’ success in life.

For these reasons we strongly endorse, and hope you will consider, voting for Berleen Wobeter for the District 53 seat in the Iowa State Legislature!

Larry & Denise Fletcher, Toledo