Most Iowa school districts are bracing for budget pressure in the coming school year.
According to Iowa School Finance Information Services, about 208 districts are expected to rely on the state’s budget guarantee for the 2026–2027 school year.
That’s largely due to declining enrollment and tight state funding.
Of Iowa’s 24 largest school districts, 19 are projected to fall under the budget guarantee.
The group says the number of qualifying districts is unprecedented, highlighting the growing financial strain facing schools across the state.
