Gov. Kim Reynolds Talks Success Of ESAs For Iowa Students During Condition Of The State Address

During the delivery of the Condition of the State on Tuesday evening, Gov. Kim Reynolds addressed the reform that is changing the education system for Iowa students. Reynolds discussed the success of the Students First Act, allocating state education funding to be available for all K-12 students attending public or private schools, regardless of location or income.

The Education Savings Account (ESA) assists eligible families to cover tuition, fees, and other qualified education expenses at private schools. ESAs are currently in the second-year phase, allowing all incoming kindergarteners, all public-school transfer students, and students enrolled in a private school with a household income at or below 400% of the 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines to be eligible. The third and final phase is allowing all K-12 students, regardless of income, to qualify for the $7,598 of public funds for the 2025-26 school year. Reynolds says this new education freedom is already changing lives just one semester in.

Reynolds announced that the Board of Education will vote on eight new public charter school applications this month, including schools focusing on career training and at-risk youth. Reynolds says public school districts are stepping up their efforts to attract and retain students.

Reynolds says by locking in education freedom, the State of Iowa sent a powerful message pertaining to education: Where our children are concerned, no system, however long-standing, is above reform.