Meeting Public Comments

Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.

Comments Submitted:

02-17-2026

Pamela Vogel [Retired teacher and school administrator]

I am writing to express concern about H.S.B. 718 and its removal of required social and emotional learning from teacher preparation programs.While quality classroom management is essential in our school, social and emotional learning is a significant part of this. I have a Masters degree in K12 special education with a behavioral endorsement. Many of my students were considered to have behavioral disabilities. In my teaching, every day it was necessary to include lessons on how to regulate emotions and how to have empathy and care and consideration for others. This is socialemotional learning, the basis of classroom management. I respectfully urge you to oppose the sections of H.S.B. 718 that eliminate social and emotional learning from teacher preparation programs and ensure Iowa educators continue receiving comprehensive preparation. Removing this preparation will make it harder for new educators to implement the effective classroom leadership the bill seeks to promote.

02-18-2026

Shawna Riggins

I oppose HF 2003. This will isolate students who need social interaction and to develop social skills even more than most. I oppose HF 2270. Stop trying to negatively impact libraries. Libraries only exist to support communities. There is no reason to limit their already limited resources. I oppose HF 621. You want to bring guns CLOSER to schools??? We do not need guns ANYWHERE on school grounds. Including parking lots. This legislation would needlessly RISK LIVES.I oppose HF 2123. This legislation criminalizes honest and factual discussions about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Open and honest conversations are the only way our communities can grow and improve. Limiting SPEECH helps no one. I oppose HF 2187. This legislation opens our schools up to organizations that are beyond the scope and mission of public education. The limited resources of schools do not need to be used to support additional organizations.

02-18-2026

Michelle Hendricks

HSB 554: As a veteran g/t strategist, I am in favor. Universal screening, then using a body of evidence to identify students for services is best practice, and including multiple data sources over time lessens our reliance on 1 standardized test score. We all know that does not show the entire picture of a student!Similarly, we will improve learning if we ensure that services are aligned with academic strengths. Simply put, this would require that a gifted math student participate in activities that are designed to give them new learning in math, rather than unrelated projects, extra worksheets, or helping peers. The ISASP / statewide summative assessment section would allow us to test students at the grade level where they receive instruction. Currently, if a 9th grader is placed in college credit math because of their advanced skills, they are tested only over 9th grade math, which is basic algebra. It is nearly impossible to show their academic growth using ISASP. Thank you