There has been much interest circulating in our state around the adoption of school voucher/education savings plans - otherwise known as "school choice". While sold on the idea of freedom for families, the reality is that implementing this program will only lead to student inequality and damage to our already underfunded public schools. 

School vouchers ultimately have proven to help only an elite few while leaving others behind. The idea that private schools are better than public schools is a myth. Our own U.S. Department of Education has evaluated voucher programs in other states and found evidence of the following: no resulting improvement of student academic achievement in ANY subject, absent or inadequate supports for children with disabilities, lower student attendance, limited access to school resources such nurses, counselors and other resources and no improvement in school safety. Risking the security of our existing schools cannot be made in the name of a voucher program that has already been proven to be unsuccessful.

Using public money to fund private schooling also sends the message that it is acceptable to elevate one child above another. Private schools retain the right to accept or eliminate students on whatever terms they choose which leads to inequality and discrimination toward our most vulnerable students. It is unethical for tax dollars pay for this. Vouchers for private schools will also not cover the cost of books, remaining tuition, uniforms, transportation or other expenses - failing to make them any more accessible to the poor. We already have great public schools in place staffed by teachers who uphold the principle that every child deserves a fair and appropriate education, regardless a student’s economic status, skin color, ability or faith. Vouchers will only take away vital funding from these students and lead to low teacher retention, closing of neighborhood and community schools, and the ultimate crumbling of our smaller communities. If any town loses its school, it loses its future. We have seen it already happen in Iowa and in other states. 

Iowa is the state that beats as the heart of the nation. Our farmers feed the millions and our principles have laid the blueprint for modern education as we know it. We should be proud of what Iowans have stood and fought for over the years. There is no pride in taking money away from the schools we worked so hard to build. Who will supplement the cost of those students left behind? Who will pay for the utility bills, resources for students, accommodations for the disabled, books, food in cafeterias, medical staff and other needs after the cost of so many vouchers have been deducted from a school? What happens to those children? How can we expect to build our communities, train our workforce and create jobs for the future if there is no one left to put forth effort – to have faith our children? Is it acceptable to close the door on even one child?

Please vote no on school vouchers for our state. 

Sources:

https://www.nsba.org/advocacy/federal-legislative-priorities/private-school-vouchers/nsba%E2%80%99s-position-private-school​

http://neatoday.org/2012/05/23/school-vouchers-empty-promise-to-special-ed-students-2/​

http://neatoday.org/2011/02/25/schools-vouchers-making-a-comeback/​

https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/the-false-promise-of-school-choice-week