New ed funding laws divert money from public schools

The familiar yellow school buses have appeared as a happy harbinger of fall days and cyclical routine. It also symbolizes the education system that for many years was a source of pride as a leader in the nation.

Unfortunately, this year those buses remind us of a public school system that has been undermined by our state officials. For the first time, a huge chunk of money is being taken from the Iowa general fund to support private schools. These primarily religious schools are not available for many in our state. “Parental rights” is a misnomer. This new system is only for parents and students who have options close by and certainly not for the students and parents who remain in the public system.

State school funding is a complicated system. It is primarily based on enrollment or per student funding. For years it has not kept up with inflation resulting in schools struggling to meet the needs of all of students including mentally and physically disabled. The General Fund is already being undercut by the huge tax cuts that have been enacted to benefit the wealthy. Our scarce tax dollars should not be diverted from the noble goal of public education.

With tax cuts and funding of private schools, our already struggling public schools are being set up for failure. The only hope is to make your vote count for education and reverse this disgrace. Enjoy the sight of those traditional cheery yellow buses but remember to vote responsibly.

Kathy Hannum

Waukon