The Iowa Legislature > Committees & Schedules > Meeting Public Comments Print Icon Print

Meeting Public Comments

Subcommittee meeting and times are as follows:
HF 10
A bill for an act relating to education, including requirements related to mandatory reporters, a process for investigating complaints against licensed practitioners, and the responsibilities of the department of education, school districts, charter schools, accredited nonpublic schools, and the board of educational examiners.(See HF 430.)
Subcommittee members: Boden-CH, Gustoff, Staed
Date: Tuesday, January 17, 2023
Time: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Location: RM 304
Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.
Comments Submitted:

01-17-2023
Rob Cordes []
As a proud retired Iowa educator I am appalled you are even considering the Voucher Bill. This bill is bad for Iowa and bad policy in general spending public money for private schools. I have several questions:1.How much public money is currently being spent on private education textbook reimbursement, nonpublic transportation, Title I services (provided by the public school), special education services (provided by the public school), etc.?2.Under the governors proposal are the private schools going to take ALL kids that show up at their doorstep like the public schools special education students including those with behavior problems, LGBTQ students, etc.? The statement (a) below is from the website of a private school.a. Students cant be accepted if they have learning, behavioral, or psychological disorders that require special services beyond the scope of what can be met in the regular mainstream classroom. ACS doesn't offer specialized staff to meet the special needs of a student on an IEP.b. Many of the low income parents the Governor and others talk about being able to choose a school of their choice are parents with students who have special needs/behavior problems. How are you going to accommodate those parents?3. Are private schools going to subject to the same state reporting as public schools. Including financial reporting?4. Are private schools going to start operating under the Sunshine Law open board meetings, open records, etc.?Thank you for your time and consideration.