What’s Happening With Education in Iowa?

Recently, the “school choice” bill was signed and passed by Governor Kim Reynolds. The bill advocated for parents to send their kids to private schools with taxpayer dollars. It has been estimated to take three years to jump into full effect, but once completed it will allow up to $7,500 in education savings for each family that has a child in public school. This sparked a frenzy of attention focused on the Iowa Department of Education, and other bills that are being proposed at the moment. None of these are passed as of March 2023.

Senate File 66: Human Growth Curriculum 

This bill would require sex education to be taught at all public schools. Grades K-6 would be focused on creating boundaries, expanding their empathy, and learning how to identify body parts. 7-12 would be taught how to identify healthy and unhealthy relationships, give consent, recognize predatory behavior, and prevent any forms of assault.

Senate File 74: Feminine Hygiene Products 

Many schools do already provide free menstrual products, but this would ensure that they are available at specific school and state buildings. This was first introduced in mid-January and has not since been discussed further.

Senate File 87: Cardiac Exams 

This bill was proposed in response to Buffalo Bill’s Safety, Damar Hamlin, being sent into cardiac arrest on the football field. It will require each high school athlete to complete a cardiac exam before being able to participate in their sport. The exams would most likely happen during their yearly physicals, which is already a requirement for Iowa student-athletes.

Senate File 121: Public Money on Extracurriculars 

If this bill were to be passed, it would prohibit schools, regardless of public or private, from spending taxpayer money on extracurriculars that do not meet the requirements in regard to past performance and enrollment.

Senate File 159: Gender Identity Education 

Prohibits the teaching of gender identity/sexual orientation until 9th grade. It would also require schools to inform parents of invasive exams that are not required by law as well as changes in mental health or overall well-being for their child.

Senate File 161: Physical Education Alternatives 

It is a law that a student must participate in at least a semester of physical activity every school year. Passing this would allow grade 12 students to be exempt from PE as long as they are a part of alternate activities such as show choir, marching band, and color guard. This is if only a parent requests it and the principal signs off on it.

Senate File 258: Non-Voting Student Representative on School Board 

If this bill were to be passed, it would require a student of at least grade 11 to be appointed to the school board. They would be a non-voting member and sit in on non-confidential meetings to discuss decisions made within the district.

Staying updated on bills that are being proposed in your state is important. The Iowa Department of Education’s bill tracking page can help you determine how you may be affected by educational decisions.