(Atlantic) The Atlantic School Board discussed the Governor’s push for the School Choice Bill. The Governor’s Bill would give parents around $7,500.00 annually per child if they enroll in private schools. The rub is the effect the bill would have on public schools and, in this case, rural schools, which takes away funds from the school district that needs it and places the money in private institutions.
Atlantic Schools Superintendent Steve Barber stated at a recent school board meeting it does not appear that private schools would be under the exact requirements as public schools.
Barber expands on the difference in requirements.
The proposed bill sets up a scholarship fund to provide certain eligible students money to attend private institutions unsatisfied with their public schools. The proposal also states for the school budget years beginning on or after July 1, 2025, resident pupils eligible to enroll in kindergarten through grade twelve who attend a nonpublic school for the applicable school budget year, would be eligible to receive an education savings account payment.
This past week Iowa state senators listened to more than 20 Iowans during a 90-minute hearing on Governor Kim Reynolds’ school choice bill. Joel Groenenboom of Oskaloosa favors the bill, saying the proposal will benefit education by letting parents decide where their kids attend.
