I am a constituent writing to express clear opposition to the Governor-introduced charter funding proposal. Responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources requires that major funding shifts not proceed when significant questions remain about transparency, fiscal sustainability, and equitable outcomes within existing education funding programs. Expanding charter funding under current conditions risks creating avoidable financial strain on district schools that continue to educate the vast majority of Iowa students.
Recent developments demonstrate why advancing this proposal would be premature and fiscally irresponsible. Iowa’s Education Savings Account (ESA) program has expanded rapidly and represents a growing long-term financial commitment for the state, yet disputes surrounding access to program records requested by the State Auditor have raised unresolved concerns about oversight and independent verification of how public funds are used. Available reporting indicates that many ESA recipients were already enrolled in private schools prior to receiving subsidies, suggesting that taxpayer funds may be disproportionately benefiting families already able to access private education rather than expanding opportunity for underserved students. Moving forward with additional charter funding before resolving these issues increases fiscal uncertainty and weakens public confidence in responsible budgeting.
School leaders across Iowa have also raised concerns about operational pressures resulting from funding shifts away from district schools, including staffing challenges, program reductions, and growing resource constraints. Both rural and urban communities depend on predictable funding structures, and policies that accelerate funding diversion without clear fiscal guardrails risk destabilizing local education systems and creating unintended consequences for students and taxpayers.
When public dollars are used, the public deserves consistent standards of accountability. Any education program receiving taxpayer funding should meet equivalent requirements for audit access, financial transparency, measurable outcomes, and nondiscrimination protections ensuring that students are not excluded based on creed, race, disability status, or family income.
I am asking you to publicly state on the record that the Governor-introduced charter funding proposal should not advance and to vote in opposition when it comes before the Legislature. I also ask that you support legislative actions that prioritize:
• Full audit access and transparent reporting for existing ESA and related funding programs • Comprehensive fiscal analysis of long-term costs and impacts on district schools • Equal accountability and nondiscrimination standards for all taxpayer-funded education programs
Advancing new funding structures while outstanding accountability questions remain unresolved would create foreseeable and preventable risks to Iowa students and taxpayers, and the Legislature will share responsibility if it fails to act. I expect your office to take these steps within the next 30 days and publicly report your actions to constituents.
Sign Petition
