Iowa’s Legislature is harming public schools

Ask Gov. Kim Reynolds and Republican legislators why they are systematically dismantling quality public education in our state. Just look at the legislation they've sponsored over the last several years. Since FY 2017, legislators have increased funding of public education through state supplemental aid an average of 1.64 percent, while funding to private schools through non-public/home-school enacted legislation has increased an average of 18.25 percent over the same period of time. Bills currently up for debate would divert an additional $75 million of taxes away from public schools under the guise of choice to a small number of private school students in the latest voucher program. Additionally, the House is debating transparency measures that will cost public schools to the tune of $22 million.

Iowa has an excellent public education system that 92 percent of students attend. People move to Iowa for our schools and way of life. Underfunding public education and reallocating funds to private schools has created a crisis that jeopardizes learning. Parental choice and transparency are currently the norm for public schools. Don't let anyone tell you differently. Trust what you know about the quality of your school. Trust your local administration and school board. Take a few minutes to contact the governor and Republican legislators that do not represent the children of Iowa. Tell them Iowa deserves better and to stop these concentrated efforts to destroy our public schools.

John and Beth Hieronymus

Iowa City