School choice already exists in Iowa

In her editorial column (“Iowa parents deserve a choice,” Jan. 26), Patricia Patnode used her platform to misrepresent “school choice” in Iowa.

It is a fact that school choice already exists in our state. Parents may already request a transfer to another school within their district, may use the open enrollment option to transfer to a different district, may home-school their student or may choose to enroll at an existing non-public school.

Public tax dollars should be used for public schools. That’s it. Public schools are accountable to a locally elected school board. Public schools must educate all students, regardless of socioeconomic status, English language proficiency, and/or special needs. Non-public schools have no requirement to take any particular student or to provide that student with any of the special services necessary to ensure student success. Public schools must submit a mountain of data about everything from finances to learning proficiencies. Private schools have little accountability to the state or to the public.

Patnode shows a concerning lack of understanding about how books are selected and how the curriculum is constructed. School districts have a process for book selection as well as a process for reconsideration. These processes are clearly defined and available to all community members. Curriculum is guided by national and state standards, and implemented by trained and certified education professionals. It is inaccurate to claim parents have no input or control.

Tanya Street

Cedar Rapids