Education savings accounts a ‘catalyst’ for new private schools, administrator says

JOHNSTON — It’s likely more private schools will be opening in Iowa in the coming years, a private school administrator said Friday.

The education savings accounts program passed by Republican lawmakers and Gov. Kim Reynolds this year created an opportunity for new private schools to start up across the state, Josh Bowar, the head of Sioux Center Christian School and the interim outreach coordinator for the Iowa Association of Christian Schools, said during the taping of this weekend’s episode of “Iowa Press” on Iowa PBS.

“What I see happening, and what will be a really great opportunity is that this is going to open up ways for schools to begin, so parents can have choices in those places that do not currently have another option for them to go to," Bowar said.

He said his organization has been in touch with at least 20 groups who are looking to open new Christian schools in the coming years because education savings accounts — valued at $7,600 per student for the coming school year — have increased the potential for the schools to attract students.

“This has definitely been a catalyst for providing an opportunity for schools to start that can meet those kids’ needs,” Bowar said. “And what a beautiful thing to celebrate. We are adding to the diversity of the education options that are available in our state.”

The Iowa Association of Christian Schools represents Protestant schools in Iowa, so that figure does not include potential new Catholic or secular private schools.

More than 18,000 Iowa students were approved for the coming school year for the savings accounts to attend private school. About 60 percent of those students already attend private school, while about 40 percent are coming from public schools.

No education savings accounts were approved in three rural counties — Decatur, Louisa and Ringgold counties — which have few private school options.

Right now, Iowa private schools have only about 9,000 openings, the governor’s office has previously said.

But Bowar said the savings account program will allow new schools to open to meet the demand.

“There is more demand in our state right now than there are seats in the non-public schools,” Bowar said. “So we want to encourage schools of all kinds that would like to start a place in Iowa to really meet those needs of what the parents are wanting.”

The education savings account program was Reynolds' chief policy goal of this year's session, and she said it would provide opportunities for every child to receive a quality education.

Democrats and public school advocates opposed it, arguing it would take money away from already struggling public schools.

Special needs students

Opponents during this year’s legislative session also said private schools should not receive taxpayer dollars because they can be selective about who they admit, turning away students with special needs or behavioral problems.

Jennifer Raes, the principal at St. Anthony's Catholic School in Des Moines, said on the program that her school accepts every kid it can. But she acknowledged the school will turn away some students if it cannot meet their needs, like providing a full-time paraeducator.

“If I don’t have the capability, then I’m not going to let you down and say, ‘Yes, I can take your child, but I really can’t meet their needs.’ ” she said. “So sometimes I have to say no. It breaks my heart, and it’s a tough conversation.”

Bowar said the increased money from the education savings accounts will allow private schools to better provide those resources to students with special needs.

Tuition increases

Bowar and Raes said they’ve experienced increased enrollment at their schools for the coming year, some of which can be credited to families taking advantage of the savings accounts.

Both Sioux Center Christian and St. Anthony’s increased their tuition by about 3 percent for the upcoming school year, a decision that was made in the winter before the ESA program was passed.

Some schools, though, have increased their tuition by double digits, pointing to the ESA program as the reason for the increase.

Raes said the increased tuition from some schools may help them cover more of their costs, which are often higher than the tuition.

“We’ve always had a tuition rate that’s really under what it costs to educate a child,” she said. “So it’s possible you can make up a little ground for getting closer to what it does cost to educate a child.”

“Iowa Press” can be viewed at noon Sunday on Iowa PBS and at 8:30 a.m. Saturday on Iowa PBS World.

Comments: cmccullough@qctimes.com