Waterloo Times

In her 2022 Condition of the State address, Gov. Kim Reynolds discussed what education means to the state of Iowa.

Reynolds said the success of a public school system hinges on the state budget, pointing out that education accounts for more than 56% of expenditures.

“And for PreK-12 education, that’s $3.7 billion, with an increase of nearly $1 billion in the last decade,” the governor said, according to a transcript of her speech published by her office. “For most Iowa families, that’s money well spent. Across the State, in every one of our 99 counties, there are strong schools with dedicated teachers.”

Reynolds, a Republican, also acknowledged that for some families, schools districts don’t fit the familes' values or meet the needs of their child.

She chastised school administrators who don’t prioritize students, as well as took a veiled shot at critical race theory, which was a hot-button issue nationwide for more than a year.

“And sadly, in some cases, school administrators are ignoring the problem or just not listening,” she said in the address. “Some even believe that it’s a school’s responsibility to not just teach kids to learn but to control what they learn — to push their worldview.”

Expressing support towards school choice, Reynolds said wealthier families can easily place their children in any school they wish while many middle- and lower-income families can’t.

“Which is why I’ll be introducing legislation that allows middle- and low-income families and students with an individualized educational plan to receive a portion of the ‘per pupil’ funds allocated annually by the state to move their child to the education system of their choice,” the governor said.

“About 70% (over $5,300) of those funds will go directly into an account for families to customize their child’s education. The remaining 30% will be distributed by the state to smaller school districts.”

Another education related piece of legislation the governor proposed is a bill that will require class materials be shared on school district websites.

She also urged that high school students take a citizenship test as a requirement for graduation.