Guest Post
Latest from Guest Post
-
Scolaro: Do we really want vigilante justice in our schools?
On Jan. 4, a 17-year-old Perry High School student killed one sixth-grader and injured five others before killing himself. In response to school shootings, Siouxland Christian School in Sioux City has decided to train and arm school staff members. However, to the contrary, there is no evidence showing that more guns decrease violence. In fact,…
-
Helmick: Libraries belong to the people. Let’s keep it that way
In an era marked by digital transformation and societal polarization, the role of library boards in advocating for essential services is more crucial than ever. Library trustees serve as pillars of leadership within their communities, ensuring that libraries not only adapt but thrive in the face of evolving challenges. Central to the effectiveness of library…
-
Kalbach: Why we’re fighting to protect our AEAs
Gov. Kim Reynolds is once again attacking Iowa’s public school system. This time she wants to slash vital services offered by our Area Education Agencies (AEAs). AEAs provide special education support, media services, training, crisis intervention, professional development and more. These agencies are critical for kids, families, teachers and our communities. AEAs serve more than…
-
Kalbach: Gov. Reynolds ramps up her attacks on public schools
We’re just past two weeks into the 2024 legislative session, and Gov. Kim Reynolds is already ramping up her crusade to defund our public schools through an unproven voucher plan. This year, 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…
-
Sand: Let’s work together to hold government accountable
As Iowa’s taxpayer watchdog, I hear from Iowans just about every day with concerns about state and local government. Oftentimes, there are steps my office can take to address those concerns; other times, the next step is as simple as directing folks to the best channel in state government to address their question. Sometimes, it’s…
-
Guest post: My name is mine, not the government’s
In the fall of 1972, I was a shy ninth-grader entering Mt. St. Ursula in the Bronx. My legal name was Mary Bernadette, but I always went by my middle name, Bernadette. The first day of classes, teachers had us standing in the front of their rooms until our names were called to be seated.…
-
13 of Iowa’s Scariest Haunted Houses and Creepy Attractions of 2023
By Katie Mills Giorgio, Starting Line contributor Spooky season is officially here, and if you’re the type of Iowan who likes a good scare, we’ve got you covered. This list of 13 haunted houses around the state of Iowa is sure to freak you out. Located throughout the state, these awfully frightful attractions will leave…
-
Rob Sand: I Had A Fairly Good Time At The Iowa State Fair
One of the things I love about the Iowa State Fair is that you always run into someone you didn’t expect to meet. This year was no different: while refilling drinks for folks at the Iowa Pork Tent, I encountered an organ donor wearing a t-shirt promoting the importance of this selfless act. Two people…
-
Guest Post: I’m a Teacher Wasting Valuable Time on Iowa’s Nonsense New Laws
School started last week. It was crazy—but, like, actually crazy. Typically, before it actually starts and during our back-to-school meetings, we go over the standard back-to-school spiel: Be welcoming, get to know kids, remember to finish trainings, explanation of this year’s initiative (which is NOT another thing to add to your plate, but rather a…
-
Guest Post: What Private Schools Get Wrong About Iowa’s School Vouchers
The Students First Act will continue to hobble Iowa’s public schools while providing subsidies to private school parents who typically have the resources to cover the cost of their children’s tuition. The claims some are making—that such a program is more equitable—are untrue. On Aug. 18, Iowa PBS’s Iowa Press hosted Josh Bowar, Sioux Center…
