‘How could state tax dollars help my kid?’

I am writing in response to a column in The Gazette March 27, entitled “Why can't my state tax dollars help my kid?” Columnist Althea Cole addresses some valid concerns for families feeling trapped and underserved by public education in Iowa. I find it disappointing and disturbing that any of my Iowa tax dollars funding an already troubled education system would be used to encourage any families to leave public education and pursue private education. Having said that, I would not dispute the fact that Iowa has some outstanding private schools that serve the families well.

As a public school educator for seven years in Nebraska and 29 years in Iowa, I had the privilege to teach in several of the finest public schools in our nation. Through the years I have greatly admired the efforts of the Iowa Legislature and the Iowa Department of Education regarding the likes of school consolidation, per-pupil funding and open enrollment.

So these questions come to mind. Is it possible to reinvent per-pupil funding so state taxes can better serve underserved families? Is it possible that state taxes could expand open enrollment to provide scholarships or transportation assistance for underserved students to some of Iowa's finest public schools? Is it possible for state taxes to improve staff and facilities for Iowa's underserved students? Could there actually be a bright future on the horizon for public education in Iowa?

Roger Lueders

Cedar Rapids