Having taught for 35 years in a public school system, l am saddened by the way Iowa has treated our children the last few years and leading the charge against schools has been Governor Kim Reynolds.
The latest topic, vouchers, has created quite an uproar with very vocal groups both pro and con. It seems like everyone has an opinion, even those of us who don’t have children. That is because a good education is one thing we can give all children and Iowa schools have always been rated at the top of the list. My hope is that that would continue but looking into the future things start to look murky when vouchers are added to the picture and I hope legislators have really thought this through.
There are many people who have their children in private schools as well as public schools who do not want vouchers. Legislators, are you really listening? Maybe they think the private schools are doing OK and enjoy the freedom they have to choose who can attend their schools.
Western Dubuque is a great example of how public and private schools can coexist for the good of all children without vouchers. I taught a wide variety of abilities during my tenure and some of them would not have succeeded in the private schools because of their needs. Public schools must adapt to their needs. Private schools don’t necessarily have the ability to adapt or even have to.
I had a unique teaching experience because my students went on to both the public and private schools for the rest of their education. One of my greatest joys since retiring has been to see how successful my former students have been. I haven’t kept count but I am sure they were products of both public and private schools. This isn’t because of luck, it’s because of hard work and cooperation on the part of both systems.
If you aren’t familiar with all of the ways WD has and continues to “share” with private schools without vouchers you should check it out. In the past there was shared time, reading teachers and nurses. Sharing of physical education and band instruction at the elementary-middle school grades is available now. WD also allows their kids to participate in some sports where the private schools don’t have a program. Technology additions and busing continue to this day.
Lastly, it is important to note that 40 of the 99 counties in Iowa do not have a private school within their boundary. Additionally, 75% of the public schools in the state are in a rural area with limited or no access to a private school. Therefore, most families will be excluded from an Educational Savings Account or voucher program. Ninety percent of the students in Iowa attend public schools. This is a drastic change to benefit 10% of the students in Iowa. Legislators are you listening?
Public money is for public schools.
