Iowa’s public schools are the foundation of our education system. For most families, they are the option of choice – and they should be. But public schools aren’t the only choice, and for some families, a different educational path may be better for their children.
Governor Reynolds believes Iowa’s investment in education should support the success of all students, including those whose families choose to enroll them in an accredited private school rather than a public school.
Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed at school and in life. We should support whichever educational choice makes that possible.
At the same time, we must set Iowa schools up for success and support the role of parents in their children’s education.
Governor Reynolds proposes:
Providing education savings accounts (ESAs) equal eligible students who choose to attend an accredited private school rather than a public school.
Giving districts the option to give classroom teachers a raise by using unspent education program funds to supplement salaries.
Eliminating burdensome or trivial requirements in Iowa code that restrict schools and teachers from tailoring education appropriately for their students.
Protecting the rights of parents as the primary decision makers regarding their children’s education.
Education Savings Accounts
Parents who choose to enroll their children in an accredited private school will receive the amount of per pupil funds allocated annually by the state to use for tuition, fees, and other qualified expenses.
Funds are deposited into an education savings account (ESA) each year until students graduate or complete high school or turn 20 years of age. Remaining balances are returned to the state general fund.
Effective for the 2023-24 school year, per pupil funding will be $7,598 per student, and ESAs will be available based on the following eligibility:
Year 1: School Year 2023-24
All kindergarten students
All public school students
Private school students with a household income at or below 300% FPL, $83,250 for a family of four
Year 2: School Year 2024-25
All kindergarten students
All public school students
Private school students with a household income at or below 400% FPL, $111,000 for a family of four
Year 3: School Year 2025-26
All K-12 students in Iowa regardless of income
Other student funding generated by categorical funding formulas will remain with public school districts. This will include funding for students who choose to leave their public school, and private school students living in the district – even though they won’t be educated there. It’s estimated that Iowa’s public schools will retain approximately $1,202 per pupil in categorical funding for each student who attends private school.
Teacher Salaries
Governor Reynolds proposes allowing school districts the flexibility to use unspent funding from Teacher Leadership and Compensation, Professional Development, and Talented and Gifted categorical funds to supplement teacher salaries.
Educational Flexibility
Iowa code dictates numerous requirements that schools must meet. Eliminating those that are burdensome, trivial and provide little or no value to the educational experience will eliminate redundant reporting, allow greater flexibility in course credits, and encourage schools to offer options best suited to their students.
Parent Empowerment
Parents should have the ultimate responsibility and right to decide what’s in the best interest of their children, including when it comes to their education. Governor Reynolds proposes to define parent rights in law, require transparency, and set boundaries to protect Iowa’s children.
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