Letter to the Editor: How we lost our national education standard and how we can rebuild

By Kelsey VanderWerf, Charles City

As a middle school librarian, I see firsthand how our schools shape the future of our children and our community.

Iowa once set the gold standard for public education, a model for the nation that provided every child – regardless of background – with a strong foundation for success.

But today, state and federal policies are making it harder for schools to do their job. Underfunded classrooms, teacher shortages and rollbacks to AEA and special education services are leaving our children behind.

Instead of strengthening Iowa’s backbone, lawmakers are diverting public money to private school voucher programs.

These programs take taxpayer money away from public schools and give it to institutions that aren’t obligated to adhere to the same legal standards.

Families who can already afford private education will ultimately benefit, while underprivileged children are left with fewer opportunities.

It begs the question: Do you want your hard-earned money funding other families’ private education instead of strengthening the schools that already serve your community?

Regardless of political affiliation, we should all agree that taxpayer dollars should support an education system that serves all students.

Without proper funding, children won’t develop the skills necessary to enter the workforce, putting our small communities at risk.

If we continue down this path, we will see rising crime, poverty and homelessness, alongside public and mental health crises that will fracture our way of life.

I know families working two to three jobs just to stay afloat, relying on public schools as a vital resource for education and child care.

If we allow lawmakers to dismantle our public education system, these children will be left to fend for themselves, without the structure and guidance they desperately need.

I implore you: Use your vote and your voice to resist these reckless policies before it’s too late. Our children need your support.