University of Iowa officials have decided that the university museum should not sell its prized Jackson Pollock painting to pay for flood-recovery costs, the Chicago Tribune reports.

Selling the painting, “Mural,” would endanger the university museum’s accreditation, making it extremely difficult to borrow works from other museums, finance programs, or attract future donations, officials found.

In August, Michael G. Gartner, a member of the Iowa Board of Regents, caused a hue and cry in the art world and around the state with his suggestion that proceeds from the painting — appraised last year by Sotheby’s at at least $150-million — could be used to pay for flood recovery on the Iowa City campus. Damages there are estimated to be at least $232-million.

Mr. Gartner asked the board’s office to prepare a report to evaluate the pros and cons of selling the Pollock painting. The report was delivered to the regents on October 3. —Jennifer Ruark