Iowa Association of Christian Schools

The Public Policy Voice of Iowa's Protestant, Christ-Centered Schools.

We are the public policy voice of
Iowa's Protestant, Christ-centered schools.

Response To Governor’s 2021 Condition of the State Address

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Reynolds Condition of the StateThe Iowa Association of Christian Schools (IACS) applauds Governor Reynolds for looking to empower parents in the education of their children. For the first time, we have a Governor willing to champion an effort that includes Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) and other measures to ensure parents have access to choices that best meets their child’s educational needs: whether public, private, homeschool, or other educational service. For over seven years, we’ve been a part of a coalition of parents and schools that has introduced a number of ESA proposals and we stand ready to support efforts that simultaneously empower parents while preserving what makes each option unique and high quality.

In her address, Governor Reynolds mentioned her proposal would include a form of ESAs, charter school changes, and open enrollment reform. We agree with Governor Reynolds that “school choice is not a zero sum game.” We believe the legislature has a chance to ensure every option is adequately funded, supported, and empowers parents to make choices and have ownership over their family’s education. We look forward to working with the Iowa legislature to advance ESAs and ensure that whatever is considered and passed meets the needs of families looking for options and respects the diverse missions and role of Iowa’s private schools.

New Bill Tracking Feature

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New this year to the IACS website is a bill tracking feature as part of our “Action Center” section available on the right side of each page.

Just click on the Action Center link from anywhere on our website and then click on “View Key Legislation” to see a selection of bills we are working on. Although it doesn’t include every bill we are following, it will give you an idea of the kinds of legislation IACS is tracking and working on.

Please contact us with questions!

Action Alert! Support ESAs!

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One of the primary roles of parents is to be involved in and direct the formal education of their children.  There are many ways to accomplish this but those without the income to access more than one option lack that basic, fundamental right. The best way we know how to ensure every parent has access to what is best for their child is through Education Savings Accounts (ESAs).  ESAs will allow parents who choose not to enroll their children in a public school to receive a deposit of public funds into a savings account set up by the state. This money could be used by parents for private school tuition and some other education expenses including tutoring, giving parents the ability to customize their child’s education to meet his/her needs.

Iowa has increased public school funding annually, while maintaining school choice programs such as the School Tuition Organization tax credits. IACS supports the state’s commitment to public and non-public education.  We are not advocating that parents wanting to utilize a non-public option be given every financial resource available to the public system.  We are simply asking that the state allow a portion of those resources to follow the student to ensure every Iowa parent has every available quality option at their disposal.

School choice will not lead to money being “siphoned away from public education and given to private education providers.” No state or local funding for public schools would be diverted to this program. ESAs would be funded by a separate appropriation by the legislature.

Senate File 372 was introduced this week and has passed the Senate Education Committee’s subcommittee.  It is now eligible for debate in the full Education Committee.  We encourage you to contact members of the Senate Education Committee and Senate leadership in support of an ESA program which would be accessible to as many parents as possible. Rewrite the sample message in your own words and keep your comments positive.

TAKE ACTION HERE!

Thank you for your willingness to engage on this issue!

IACS January Newsletter – Legislative Session Preview

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Our IACS January 2019 Newsletter is out!  There are a few events to pencil in on your calendar and we have an overview on the legislature and our areas of focus for the year!

A Iowa Parent’s Guide to Online School Choice Resources

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As we travel the state and speak with groups of parents, it is clear that there is a need for clarification on school choice and a list of resources parents can use to get the facts.

Admittedly, the links below are from websites that support school choice.  We are confident using these resources and passing them on to you, the parent, because these organizations are reputable, pursue excellence, and are always above reproach on their research methodology and sources.  Click the links below and you’ll be armed with the latest information on ESAs, tax credits, vouchers, and school choice in general.  Take a few minutes and get acquainted with their work and let us know if you have any questions!

Organizations:

Ed Choice – Ed Choice has been Iowa’s most consistent source of support over the years when it comes to research and public policy help as well as helping us educate Iowans about the benefits of School choice.

CAPE – The Council for American Private Education is a national group and a great resource for research and news.  Iowa’s umbrella school choice group, Iowa Alliance for Choice in Education, is a CAPE affiliate.

Iowa ACE – The Iowa Alliance for Choice in Education and its sister organization, Iowa Advocates for Choice in Education, are Iowa’s School Choice voice at the Capitol.  The Iowa Association of Christian Schools has permanent representation on the Iowa ACE board.  Iowa ACE is a coalition of private school groups from every sector, business and industry, and other advocacy groups that champion school choice.

American Federation for Children – Since 2006, AFC has been willing to engage in Iowa to support our legislative efforts.

Topics:

Education Savings Accounts – in addition to the organizations above, we have posted a number of articles, newsletters, videos, etc. on the subject of Education Savings Accounts.

Iowa’s Tax Credit Scholarship – Ed Choice has a great summary of Iowa’s “Educational Opportunities Act.”

Iowa’s Tuition and Textbooks Income Tax Credit – Although a relatively small amount of benefit for Iowa’s private school families overall, this can go a long way for those that itemize and are lower-middle-income.