DAVENPORT, Iowa — Ahead of the 2022 midterm elections, controversy is still brewing over a proposal by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds for a private school voucher system.
Earlier in the year, Gov. Reynolds and other lawmakers advocated for a private school voucher system, which would let more students attend private schools at a more affordable price by diverting taxpayer dollars to the vouchers and away from public schools. Now, with the upcoming election on Tuesday, Nov. 8, Reynolds is pushing for the idea again.
"Hurting our schools, hurting our teachers, and hurting the education available to our students," said Matt Sinovic, Executive Director of Progressive Iowa.
These supporters say that the answer to education reform is increased funding to public schools, as opposed to the other way around.
"With fully funded public schools, we would provide all Iowa kids with the opportunity to learn about history, our community and themselves," Sinovic said.
Saint Paul the Apostle Catholic School Principal Julie Delaney said the vouchers give families a choice.
"It really means more for the parents, even then for the school, in terms of parents can then choose what school is best for them.," Delaney said.
Dr. Delaney also claims the plan would make tuition more affordable.
"Low-income families have an opportunity to get aid, our families who can afford it, our wealthier families, they don't have a need for tuition assistance, but the middle class and they tend to get squeezed out," Delaney said.
The move is part of the governor's "Providing Educational Choice and Transparency for Iowa Families" plan, and she also advocates for changes to public school requirements and the ability for funds to follow students out of public schools and into private schools.