An Iowa House bill was recently passed by the Senate and is now awaiting Governor Kim Reynolds’ signature.

The bill would allow for the establishment of charter schools within the state. The bill that was recently passed by the Senate outlines that a founding group could create a charter school by applying directly to the Iowa Department of Education, rather than going through the local school board. However, the bill also keeps the school board option. 

House District 47 Representative Phil Thompson supported the bill and says charter schools are public schools, but for them to exist, they have to show a need or an educational opportunity that doesn’t already exist with a current school district. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio lawmakers looked at where charter schools would make the most sense.

“Most of the areas of the state that would probably do this are more urban areas. Ames is a possibility, I think that would be about the closest area (to Greene County) that would probably make sense. I don’t foresee a charter school popping up in House District 47, but I do support the educational choice aspect of it.”

Thompson doesn’t have concerns with public funds following the student from the existing public school to a charter school, since he says they are public school institutions. Click the link below to see the bill.

 

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=89&ba=HF813