IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa Board of Regents said Monday it will ask lawmakers for an additional $13 million to help the state’s three public universities transition to a new funding model based on in-state enrollment. A board budget plan shows the money would be split between the University of Northern Iowa and Iowa State University. Regents will consider the plan Wednesday during a meeting in Ames. Board spokeswoman Sheila Koppin said the new money would prevent $13 million from being shifted away from the University of Iowa next year.

The school has a lower percentage of students from Iowa than the other two universities, and it was expected to lose up to $39 million over the next three years under the plan. University of Iowa spokesman Joe Brennan said Monday’s funding request was good news and should reassure faculty who are anxious about possible cuts. But he cautioned that it was only the beginning of the process.

Under the funding model adopted in June, 60 percent of money for the schools will be allocated based on in-state enrollment. The other 40 percent would be based on measures such as the number of graduates and diversity of the student body. Regents said the new model aligns state tax dollars with Iowa students, and holds the universities accountable for their performance.