Iowa's Open Enrollment law allows parents or guardians to enroll their children in a public school district other than the one in which they reside. This process enables families to choose a public school based on their specific needs and preferences. #SchoolChoice #IowaEd
In 2022-2023, $2,062 was the average scholarship value, and there were 10,239 scholarships awarded. In 2021, over $18.6 million in total was awarded in scholarships to over 12,600 students. #SchoolChoice #IowaEd
Iowa's School Tuition Organizations (STOs) award scholarships to private schools based on donations received, incentivized by a state tax credit that equals 75% of the donation. STOs must use 90% of their revenue to provide scholarships to eligible students. #SchoolChoice #IowaEd
Over 26,000 Iowa students are homeschooled, and families can choose between Independent Private Instruction or Competent Private Instruction. #homeschooling #SchoolChoice #IowaEd
Iowa parents can choose #homeschooling with minimal red tape—one of the freest homeschooling laws in the nation. #SchoolChoice #IowaEd
Before Iowa's new charter school law there were two public charter schools. One in Storm Lake and one in Maynard. There are currently seven schools operating now and the Iowa State Board of Education approved an additional ten schools. #SchoolChoice #IowaEd
Iowa’s charter schools are tuition-free public schools with more flexibility in teaching and curriculum. #SchoolChoice #IowaEd
School choice ≠ anti-public school — it’s about giving families more pathways to success. #SchoolChoice #IowaEd
Iowa’s ESA program is open to all K–12 students in 2025–26, not just those switching from public schools. #SchoolChoice #IowaEd
Iowa’s ESA funds can be used for tuition, textbooks, and even special education services—empowering parents to tailor learning. #SchoolChoice #IowaEd
More than 19,000 Iowa students used ESAs in 2024–25 to attend private schools of their choice. #SchoolChoice #IowaEd
Iowa now offers Education Savings Accounts worth $7,988 per student to help families choose the best fit for their child’s education. #SchoolChoice #IowaEd
Iowa schools are facing 2 stark realities:
📉 Shrinking state aid +
📊 Rising demographic complexity
GO bonds = the lifeline for safety, opportunity, & infrastructure.
Without them, many districts can’t meet basic needs or innovate.
#IowaEd #SchoolFinance #PublicSchools
📊 Over 140 Iowa public districts will raise property taxes to meet budget guarantees.
Meanwhile, ESAs are set to cost over $340M by FY26; redirecting public funds to private schools.
The squeeze is real.
#IowaEd #SchoolFinance #ESAs #EdLeadership
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