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(Des Moines, IA) -- Despite falling enrollment in Iowa public schools, the number of administrators is growing.
A Common Sense Institute report shows the number of administrators in Iowa public schools has increased by nearly 12 % since 2014 while enrollment shrank by 2 %.
By the numbers, the student population dropped by 9,507 while 202 additional administrators were hired.
The study estimates the additional administrators added $27 million in annual spending--or about 400 teacher salaries.
It also shows Iowa's administrative growth is more than double the Midwest average.
The report finds teacher staffing in Iowa remains more closely aligned with enrollment since the pandemic, while administrative growth has continued.