We have an action alert in our “Action Center!” Please email your Representative today and ask to see improvements to and passage of the Governor’s Ed Reform/School Choice Bill.
Take Action! Email Your Senator Today!
We have an action alert in our “Action Center!” Please email your Senator today and ask to see improvements to the Governor’s Ed Reform/School Choice Bill.
Response To Governor’s 2021 Condition of the State Address
The 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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources for Iowa’s Christian Schools
There are many questions and many agencies engaged on the coronavirus pandemic. We have put all the relevant information on one page. We’ll update this page as new resources and information is available. Please contact us with additional questions or resources that should be added.
Articles and Updates:
IACS Page for Distance Learning and School Closure Resources
IACS – Admissions during Covid-19
Iowa Alliance For Choice In Education COVID-19 Resources Page
Council for the American Private Education – Coronavirus Updates
Center for the Advancement of Christian Education (CACE): COVID-19 Resources
ACSI Coronavirus Resources
(ACSI) Legal & Legislative Coronavirus Resources
Christian Schools International COVID-19 Resources
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Coronavirus Page
(NAIS) Sharing Solutions – Evolving Education in the time of COVID-19
(NAIS) COVID Resources Page
Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod COVID-19 Information
American Enterprise Institute – The Paycheck Protection Program: An Introduction
School Accepting COVID-19 Loans Must Be Aware of Workplace Law Consequences
Alliance Defending Freedom video on CARES Act questions
Iowa COVID-19 Resources For K-12 Schools:
Iowa Coronavirus (COVID-19) Main Resource Page
Iowa Governor’s Office-Newsroom
Iowa Department of Education – COVID-19 Page
(IDE Guidance on Concurrent Enrollment
(IDE) Resources to Support Learning During COVID-19
(IDE) Emergency Operations Planning Resources
(IDE) CARES Act Summary – Includes List of Possible Uses (not exhaustive)
(IDE) CARES Act District & Nonpublic Allocations
(IDE) CARES Act – Department Guidance on ESSER Funds
(IDE) Guidance on Summer Learning and Activities – May 20, 2020
(IDE) Guidance on Summer Sports – May 20, 2020
(IDE) Guidance on Use of School Facilities – May 20, 2020
(IDE) Return to Learn Support
Iowa Department of Public Health – COVID-19 Page
Iowa Department of Human Services – COVID-19 Page
Iowa Economic Development – COVID-19 Page and Links to Multiple Grant and Loan Programs
Iowa Small Business Development Centers – COVID-19 Page
Secretary of State – Remote Notary Services Now In Effect
Legislative Services Agency (LSA) – COVID-19 Impact on States’ Schools Map
(LSA) – Workforce and Labor Issues
(LSA) – State of Iowa and Federal Response to COVID-19 – Taxation
Resources For Childcare Facilities:
Iowa Department of Public Health Childcare Guidance
Iowa DHS Childcare Availability Map
Federal COVID-19 Resources for K-12 Schools:
White House / CDC Main Coronavirus Page
Centers For Disease Control (CDC)
(CDC) Preparing for a Safe Return to School
U.S. Department of Education COVID-19 “Coronavirus” Information and Resources
(USDE) Updated CARES Act Programs Guidance! (Oct 9, 2020)
(USDE) Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund Page
(USDE) CARES Act Equitable Services FAQ
Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Assistance Page
(SBA) Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources
(SBA) PPP Loan Interim Rules
(SBA) PPP Loan FAQs for faith-based organizations
IRS: Employee Retention Credit
Healthdata.org projections and data on COVID-19 hospital use and deaths over time
We cannot guarantee the accuracy or the validity of all the facts and details contained within these resources. They are posted for reference and convenience.
Link does not imply an endorsement of the organization or its stance on any particular subject or issue.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
03/20/2020 Update – The US. Dept. of Education has its COVID-19 resources page up. The state of Iowa now has its own Coronavirus general landing page up with lots of resources.
03/19/2020 – Childcare Resources: COVID-19 DHS Resources Page and the latest DHS childcare-specific guidance page.
03/18/2020 Update – The Iowa Department of Education put out new guidance yesterday dealing with IDEA questions and how they impact AEAs, districts, and nonpublic schools. Updates from Fisher Phillips law firm on FMLA and paid sick leave changes.
03/16/2020 Update – Governor Reynolds has announced assistance for employees and employers affected by COVID-19 related layoffs. Additionally, the Dept. of Education has released new guidance, including information on distance learning affecting state accredited nonpublic schools.
3/15/2020 Update 2 – The Governor has released a statement and video encouraging Iowa schools to close for four weeks to help limit the spread of COVID-19 in Iowa. IACS is working with member schools to help determine the next steps. Public Health has released a statement too. Here is the latest Dept. of Ed. guidance.
3/15/2020 Update – “Community Spread” confirmed in Iowa. The IDPH has released further guidance based on this new development. The Iowa Legislature is now suspended for 30 days. We are not sure how this will affect the current status of bills or the schedule moving forward. Additional school districts are extending Spring Break but no new guidance is available. Check back here frequently!
3/13/2020 Update – The CDC released guidance on considerations for school closures. The Iowa Department of Education also released guidance on coronavirus for PK-12 this afternoon.
3/12/2020 Update – The Iowa Department of Public Health has released updated guidance on their website. Also, there is a specific guidance document for schools released today.
Many educators and parents are wondering how the recent outbreak(s) of COVID-19 affect Iowa’s schools and students. Although risk in Iowa is currently low, there are many things we can be doing to minimize risk and add to preparedness. There are many resources available online. We suggest sticking to trusted, verifiable sources when researching COVID-19 and planning your response. Below is a list of resources from State and Federal organizations.
Iowa Department of Public Health – Emerging Health Issues (Novel Coronavirus): Includes updates on Iowa cases and a “For Schools” section.
We have another post devoted to Centers For Disease Control links that may impact or have helpful information for your school.
Please let IACS know if you have questions or we can help track down information for you.