School choice debate returns to Statehouse
Gov. Kim Reynolds' school choice bill was officially introduced in the House and Senate Tuesday night, during the first week of the 2023 legislative session.
Here's how Reynold's proposed plan, which has stalled in the House for the past two years, would work.
Any family with a K-12 student who wants to switch from public to private school during the next school year would receive roughly $7,600 from the state — the full amount of taxpayer money the state invests in every student.
That money usually goes to a student's public school district. But under Reynolds' plan, families who switch to private schools would get that money instead.
Those families can use the money to pay for expenses like tuition, tutoring, and textbooks.
Students already in private schools are also eligible to receive the money.
"For students currently attending a private school, the plan will be phased in, focusing first on the families with the lowest income levels. And in three years, every family will have a choice in education. And no child will be limited by income or zip code," Reynolds said.
Opponents of the bill say public money should only go toward public schools.
"Any proposal that takes away from our public schools will hurt our kids. I don't want our kids getting less," Senate Education Committee member Sarah Trone-Garriott said.
Others are concerned that every Iowan is eligible, regardless of income.
"Iowans didn't like the plan when there were income limits on it. They're certainly not going to like it when it means that a family, a rich family in Des Moines, can put their money in savings and take taxpayer dollars to their private school, while public schools across the state crumble," House Minority leader Jennifer Konfrst said.
While $7,600 will go to each student instead of a public school, districts will receive $1,200 for each student that switches to private. Schools would also receive new money for students in their district who already attend private schools.
The Iowa Senate Education Committee is holding a subcommittee hearing on this bill Thursday afternoon. Members of the public are welcome to come to the Capitol for the hearing and give their thoughts on this plan.
