IA: School Voucher Bill Reignites Private School Funding Debate
February 15, 2021
A controversial bill in Iowa is sparking intense debate on the issue of school vouchers and funding for private education, as it would allow students who attend 34 schools rated as “low performing” under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act to use “Student First Scholarships” to instead enroll in private or charter schools. A number of Democratic lawmakers in the state say the scholarships would siphon money away from the very public schools needing investments and resources to improve, while Republican members supportive of the measure say the scholarships would increase parental choice and options. The bill has already passed in the state Senate and is being considered in the House with the support of Gov. Kim Reynolds.