by CBS4 Newsroom
newsroom@cbs4qc.com
(AP) A top education aide to Governor Terry Branstad says a major cost in the governor's education plan is providing bonuses to experienced teachers who take on more responsibilities.
Iowa Department of Education Director Jason Glass said Monday that it will cost the state $46 million to give stipends to senior teachers who take on tasks like mentoring.
Branstad's education reform plan also raises minimum teacher salaries from $28,000 to $35,000. The Education Department estimates that would likely cost about $5.5 million. Another $96 million would go to districts to be used for teacher expenses related to the proposal.
The money would be allocated on a per-student basis, meaning the most funding would go to the Des Moines Independent School District, the largest in the state.
