Recently, our Governor, Kim Reynolds, signed a new bill called the "Students First Act" that will take effect in the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. The new bill will allow any student in Iowa to use public money to pay for private school tuition. Families who choose to send their children to a private institution will receive $7,598 per child to help pay for tuition. This is the same amount that public schools receive for each student enrolled in their district. Iowa is only the third state in the nation to pass this initiative. The justification for the bill was to give parents and students a choice for their education and allow families to pick an option that best suits their child's needs. We need to remember there has always been a choice for families and students that includes: public school, open enrollment, homeschooling, and private. The difference is the State of Iowa wasn't paying for a student's tuition who chose to go to a private school. The bill doesn't create any new schooling options it just makes the private option more affordable. Regardless of income, families choosing to enroll students next year in a private school for the first time will receive the full $ 7,598 amount. Children who currently attend a private school will have their funding phased in over a three-year period. Families wanting this option will have funding placed in an ESA (educational savings account).
The Students First Act could have a large negative financial impact on public schools as more families may choose to send their children to private institutions, thus eliminating vital funding from school districts. School districts rely on state funds to provide a quality education for all students. A reduction in state funding not only puts the district at risk but could also raise property taxes in communities to help offset the loss. Iowa taxpayers already pay state taxes to help fund public schools. Why would they want to pay more just to make up for the losses caused by the new bill? Did you know that private schools don't have to accept all students, they can pick and choose who is admitted. Are private schools better than public schools? Are they able to accommodate special needs students? Many questions need to be asked and answered before families start removing their children from public schools.
Is this the best use of public funds?
Should all families choosing the private school option receive the same amount or should it be based on income?
Replies
I think that it definitely gives more students more options regarding their education. It will probably help some families to provide better education for their children. I think that basing the amount of money on income is a good idea because some families probably don't really need the extra money.
I think that this is a good use of the funds, because if the student isn't happy in the environment they are in, they should have the opportunity to change their environment by changing schools. Everyone should be able to receiva a private education if that is what they want.
I think that this is a use of public fund because many families would like their kids to have a private education and they can't afford it. I personally think that the amount of money they receive should be based on income because not all the families would need the same amount of help and it would be more fair.
I think this is a good use of private funds, because it allows families who don't like the public school system to chase different opportunities. Students who are buillied or don't have friends have a good opportunity to start a new path in school. I think it should be based on income, so that millionares can't take advantage of this bill.
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