Iowa’s new “school choice” law is the topic of the next Plain Conversation, an educational forum sponsored by the Sioux County Democrats that will stream live Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. on the Sioux County Democrats Facebook page (facebook.com/siouxcountydemocrats).
Despite being opposed by a majority of Iowans, the bill was passed by the Iowa Legislature and went into effect this fall. It creates tax-funded Education Savings Accounts (ESA) available to K-12 students statewide, with no income limits, that can be spent on tuition for private and religious schools. It’s one of the broadest ESA laws in the country and, once fully implemented, could provide state funding to 42,000 private school students at a cost of $345 million per year.
Patrick O’Donnell, a longtime public school educator in Iowa, will discuss concerns about—and consequences of—the new program. Topics for discussion include its effects on public education funding, its administration, and the oversight of tax dollars.
While the law was sold as a way to increase educational opportunities, O’Donnell will share his research into whether that will actually be the case. He’ll also explain how the law may instead increase educational disparity, particularly for students needing special education services.
O’Donnell has considerable expertise with Iowa’s education system. He served as a teacher, coach, principal and superintendent in public schools throughout the state. His last role was superintendent of the Sioux Center School District.
Following his presentation, O’Donnell will take questions from the audience that have been submitted through the Sioux County Democrats’ Facebook page.