Public education that works for all

At Iowa CCI, we believe that every child – no matter their zip code, background, race, gender, identity, or ability – has an equal right to a quality education. That means fully funding our public schools, urban and rural, so that every child gets an accurate and honest education that prepares them for their future and an opportunity to pursue their dreams. Students deserve an opportunity to grow and learn, and together we can defend students, their future, and advocate for a more affirming and supportive education system.

We won’t allow misguided politicians and our Governor to dismantle the public education system we’ve worked so hard to build in Iowa. By speaking up at school boards, contacting our elected leaders, and voting to fully fund our schools, we can ensure every child the quality education we want for our own.

Iowa CCI members are fighting for:

• Public Dollars for Public Schools: In 2023, Governor Reynolds rammed a private school voucher scheme through the Iowa legislature. In the first year of vouchers, $127,939,695 of our public dollars went to private schools. In 2024, Reynolds wants to transfer another $179.2 million of our tax dollars to private schools. It’s a terrible idea that will lead to additional pressures on the local public schools that are the heart and soul of many of our communities, especially in rural Iowa. Read more of our take from CCI Board President Barb Kalbach here: Gov. Reynolds ramps up her attacks on public schools

• Strengthening our Area Education Agencies: For nearly 50 years, Iowa’s AEAs have been serving children and students with disabilities with efficiency and effectiveness. AEAs serve over 500,000 of our kids and their schools by providing special education support, media services, training, crisis intervention, professional development and more. We stand with our AEAs, not Gov. Reynolds whose latest proposal still shortchanges our children, teachers, and school staff. AEA summary of Reynolds’ amended proposal

• Protecting The Freedom to Read: Several hundred books have been removed from Iowa school libraries since the passage of Senate File 496 in 2023. Books discussing issues of race, gender, and social justice and featuring authors, characters, and themes from marginalized communities are being targeted. A lack of diverse perspectives in our schools is a disservice to our students and doesn’t prepare them for life ahead. Governor Reynolds is overreaching because there are sensible and established processes at the local level for books to be challenged. Speak out against book bans in our public schools