January 10th, 2023

Gov. Reynolds Delivers 2023 Condition of the State

Governor Reynolds started tonight regardless of the reason, every parent should have a choice of where to send their child—and that choice shouldn’t be limited to families who can afford it.

My school choice bill will create education savings accounts for families who choose to send their child to a private school. The State will contribute $7,598 to that account, which is the amount of funding the State provides for each child who attends a public school.

For students currently attending a private school, the plan will be phased in, focusing first on the families with the lowest income levels. And in three years, every family will have a choice in education. And no child will be limited by income or zip code.

My education plan starts with school choice, but it doesn’t end there. As I said, this is about making sure every child receives a quality education, regardless of the school system they’re in.

Over the last four years, we haven’t shied away from making systemic changes to our public education system.

We recognized that an exclusive focus on a 4-year college degree wasn’t working for many students, and invested in alternative pathways that allow for options.

The results have been extraordinary.

We’re a leader in work-based learning at all age levels. And Iowa had the highest number of new apprenticeship programs in the country this past year, with even more growth right around the corner.

Last year we launched the nation’s first teacher apprenticeship program, and I’m proud to announce that the results have been amazing. The program is on track to have 1,000 apprentices by next year, and interest continues to grow.

As we celebrate this progress, we need to remember that it was only possible thanks to a strong foundation in reading, writing, and math. And we must make sure that foundation is strong in every school, for every child.

In the vast majority of Iowa schools, that isn’t a problem. But there are some schools that consistently test in the bottom 5%—that, for whatever reason, need more help.

To that end, I have directed the Department of Education to provide tailored support to these schools; to come alongside the teachers and administrators and provide the resources and knowledge they need.

A key part of that effort will be to improve early childhood literacy, the foundation for all learning. We’ll provide specialized training to teachers on the science of reading, using a program that has a track record of success. And if they don’t already have it, we’ll arm these schools with a curriculum that has proven to be effective.

We’ll also have experts on the ground, talking to teachers, administrators and observing classroom instruction. The interaction will result in recommendations that each school can use to formulate an action plan for approval.

This multi-prong approach will ensure that every school, that every child, has the opportunity to succeed.

Improving our education system isn’t just about providing more resources; sometimes it’s about getting out of the way.

Iowa code contains a long list of requirements that schools must follow. Many of them are beneficial; some are absolutely necessary, like those that protect the rights of parents.

But other requirements are too burdensome. I’ve heard from teachers and administrators that it’s too much. I hear you, and I agree.

This year, we’re eliminating redundant reporting requirements, we’re giving schools more opportunity to take advantage of dual enrollment, and we’re providing more flexibility to achieve their core mission.

We also need to make it easier for schools to use the resources we give them. Today, we’re too prescriptive on how some funds can be used—to the point they’re not being used.

Right now, there is almost $100 million earmarked for specific programs that remains unspent in school districts across Iowa.

My proposal will give schools the freedom to use these funds to increase teachers’ salaries.

Let’s focus on making sure we reward those teachers who work so hard to make a difference in our children’s lives.

As you can already tell, much of the focus of tonight’s speech is on our children. On how we set them up for a fulfilling and productive life.