AMES, Iowa (AP) – The president of the board that governs Iowa’s three public universities says he’s backing a tuition hike that’s been criticized by Gov. Terry Branstad. Board of Regents President Bruce Rastetter said Thursday that the $300 increase for undergraduate students is necessary to maintain quality.

The plan comes after lawmakers provided about $14 million less than the universities requested and would raise about $21 million in revenue. Regents are expected to vote next month. Branstad said last week that the increase was too much and noted it is coming just months before the school year begins. He called on his appointees on the nine-member board to consider the impact it will have on students and families.

A public split is unusual between Branstad and Rastetter, one of the governor’s top donors.