Meeting Public Comments

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SSB 3170

A bill for an act relating to charter schools and innovation zone schools, including by modifying provisions related to charter school funding and operations, services provided to charter schools by area education agencies, charter school contracts, and charter school student participation in extracurricular activities provided by public schools, striking provisions allowing for the establishment of innovation zone schools, and including applicability provisions.(See SF 2406.)

Agenda

Subcommittee members: Evans-CH, Quirmbach, Taylor

Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Time: 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Location: Room 315

Comments Submitted:

The purpose of comments is to provide information to members of the subcommittee.

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

02-17-2026

Amy Cook

Opposed. For a private school student to participate in public school activities, they must meet the same academic and good conduct requirements that public school students do this requires oversight of private schools that we do not currently have. They must also pay an appropriate portion of the voucher dollars they receive to that public school. Coaches are paid, facilities are built and maintained, and students are bussed to and from events through the general fund which they do not contribute to and are definitely not free.

02-17-2026

Stacy Volmer

I strongly oppose Senate Study Bill 3170. This proposal expands charter school funding and authority while diverting critical state aid and AEA resources away from Iowas public school districts. Our neighborhood schools, already under financial strain, serve the vast majority of students, including those with disabilities, English learners, and children living in poverty. Shifting funds weakens their ability to meet those obligations.The bill increases charter exemptions from regulations while requiring public districts to share extracurricular programs and dollars. That is not innovation; it is privatization at public expense. Consolidating charter power at the state level also undermines local control.Iowa should invest in strengthening public schools, not creating a parallel system that drains resources and accountability. I urge you to vote no.

02-17-2026

Anne Peterson

Opposed. You are already giving public school dollars to private schools and stripping funds from public schools. The governor already depleted AEA funding. Nonpublic students should pay public schools for extracurriculars. Please vote no.

02-17-2026

Teresa Wellman

OPPOSED. If students choose schools that do not offer extracurricular, educational support services, or other curriculum, then those students should rethink their choices. Its not a buffet. Public money needs to stay in public schools.

02-18-2026

Norma Ewinger

I am opposed to SSB 3170. Our public moneies should stay in our public schools. Public money should not go to fund private, charter or innovation zone schools. When students going to these schools come to public schools for sports, the public schools need to receive money to cover coaches, equipment and transportation. They are required to abide by the rules and norms of the public school regardless of whether it matches their charter or innovation zone school.

02-18-2026

David Anderson

If we want Iowa to succeed in the 21st century economy, we need all of our students to have the education and skills to work in a modern economy, not just the ones privileged enough to live near a charter school. Furthermore, when public schools are all gone, and only charter schools remain, there won't be any competition to keep the latter honest. Vote No on HSB 3170.